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["NOTE TO APPLICANTS:  Revisions to questions are highlighted in yellow. "]
[]
["Question Number","Question","Answer","Posted"]
[1,"We received several questions notifying us of difficulties when trying to access documents from DE-FOA-0003195.","If you are still experiencing issues with documents for DE-FOA-00003195 “BIL - GRID RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS (GRIP)” getting corrupted during download from the Infrastructure Exchange website DE-FOA-00003195 (GRIP), please return to the site to access a new link that will allow you to retrieve all documents/templates for DE-FOA-00003195 “BIL - GRID RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS (GRIP)” from an alternate location.  We apologize for any inconvenience.","2023-12-11"]
[2,"We received several questions notifying us of a discrepancy on the due dates and requesting clarification.","Clarifications to the due dates were made in FOA Modification 000001 released on 11/13/2023.  ","2023-12-11"]
[3,"Which email I should be using to forward the completed version of the attached document. (Document:  Completed Concept Paper)?","Concept papers have to be submitted in Exchange  (https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/) using the Concept Paper form (referenced in Section IV.C and available on Exchange).  Reference FOA modification 000001 released on 11/13/2023.","2023-12-11"]
[4,"We received several questions about the required format for concept papers.                                                                                                                                                                              \n1.\t  Is there a page limitation?                                                                         \n2.\t  Is there a character limitation?                                                              \n3.\t  Can you insert tables/graphics/charts?                                                           \n4.\t  Can we attach any other supporting files like an organization chart?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       \n5.\t  Do spaces count toward the character limitation?                           \n6.\t  Can we submit a concept paper without using the concept paper template? "," 1.\t  No, there is no page limitation.  Applicants are required to use the provided concept paper form (referenced in Section IV.C and available on Exchange).  This form has character limits.  Reference FOA modification 000001 released on 11/13/2023.                                                                                                                                              \n2.\t  Yes,  there is a character limit, please reference the concept paper form located on Exchange.                                                                                                                                                                                                     \n3.\t   No, the concept paper form does not enable an Applicant to insert tables/graphics/charts.                                                                                                                 \n4.\t  Applicants applying to Topic Area 1 must submit the EIA Form 861 for the last reporting year showing the total retail electricity sales to ultimate customers to ensure status as a small utility.  Other than that form, there is no ability to attach any other supporting files to your concept paper.                                                                                                                      \n5.\t  Yes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n6.\t  No, Applicants are required to use the provided concept paper form (referenced in Section IV.C and available on Exchange).","2023-12-11"]
[5,"We received several questions asking how do Applicants register/ connect to the webinar(s)?","DOE will conduct several informational webinars at the dates and times listed in the table on the FOA cover page.  The link to access the webinar is located on Exchange.\nhttps://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/.  Attendance is not mandatory for the webinars and will not positively or negatively impact the overall review of any applicant submissions.\n\nA webinar was held on 11/20/2023.  A recording of the webinars will be made available on the GRIP Program web page at: https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program or https://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/november-20-grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-second-round.  ","2023-12-11"]
[6,"Can you tell me what your definition of a small utility is?","For the purposes of this FOA, small utilities are defined as entities that sell no more than 4,000,000 MWh of electricity per year. Reference Topic Areas in Section I of the FOA.","2023-12-11"]
[7,"We received several questions on how to join the Teaming Partner List and where is the Teaming Partner List located.","Please reference \"Teaming Partner List (Optiional)\" in Section I of the FOA.  The Teaming Partner List is  located on Exchange.  https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/. ","2023-12-11"]
[8,"Where can we find the complete FOA for Round 2 of the GRIP program?  The Exchange seems to only offer a modification to the FOA; not the FOA itself.","The FOA modification located on Exchange is the complete FOA (with the modifications incorporated into it). If this does not address your question, please clarify and re-submit.","2023-12-11"]
[9,"When submitting a concept paper, will we have to cut/paste the information into exchange or will we just upload the file?","Applicants will upload their concept paper into Exchange.","2023-12-11"]
[10,"Can the Concept Paper due date for all topic areas be extended by two weeks (January 26, 2024)? ","No.","2023-12-11"]
[11,"UEI and SAM Registration: Is it necessary to complete the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements before the concept paper application deadline on 1/12/2024, or is it a prerequisite only before the full application submission?\n","At concept paper submission, applicants can insert \"N/A\" if the UEI is still in process, and applicants do not need to be registered with SAM.\n\nHowever, some of these actions may take several weeks, so it is vital that applicants address the registration requirements detailed in section VI.B.i. of the FOA document before full application submission as soon as possible as high demand for SAM registrations and UEI requests are taking longer than expected to process and failure to complete could interfere with an applicant’s ability to apply to this FOA. If entities have technical difficulties with the SAM registration or UEI validation process they should utilize the HELP feature on SAM.gov. SAM.gov will address entity service tickets in the order in which they are received and asks that entities do not create multiple service tickets for the same request or technical issue.\n","2023-12-11"]
[12,"If you have applied under a different FOA (smaller one) and have not heard back on that submission yet, can you also submit a similar one under this FOA?","You are able to submit applications from multiple FOAs. However, funds from other federal sources may not be counted as cost share for a project in FOA 3195. This prohibition includes FFRDC subrecipients. Non-federal sources include any source not originally derived from federal funds. Cost sharing commitment letters from subrecipients must be provided with the original application. See FOA Appendix A for more information. \n\nConsistent with Section IV.D.xxii. of the FOA document, applicants must submit a Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice (if applicable) as part of their full applications. If there is a potential overlap across multiple federal awards, the applicant must notify DOE in writing of the potential overlap and state how it will ensure any project funds (i.e., recipient  cost share and federal funds) will not be used for identical cost items under multiple awards. ","2023-12-11"]
[13,"I did not receive confirmation of receipt and the FOA says that GDO will endeavor to provide a response within 3 business days.\n\nIs there another place where responses are being provided beyond the Q&A, I don’t see any responses on the exchange? ","Q&A's will be posted in Exchange.  Currently, there is a backlog.  The FOA Team is working diligently to address questions that have been received.","2023-12-11"]
[14,"One of the clients we are working with on a GRIP application is a foreign national. They are concerned about the Foreign National section of the GRIP FOA as he is involved in their projects. Could you provide some clarity on the restrictions and process for foreign nationals? Will this exclude them from consideration for GRIP funding?","All applicants selected for an award under this FOA and project participants (including subrecipients and contractors) who anticipate involving foreign nationals in the performance of an award, will be required to provide DOE with specific information about each foreign national to satisfy requirements for foreign national participation and access approvals. The volume and type of information collected may depend on various factors associated with the award. \nDOE concurrence may be required before a foreign national can participate in the performance of any work under an award.  Reference Foreign Nationals in Section VI of the FOA.","2023-12-11"]
[15,"I have a question about the registration form. \n\nThere are two required fields: Investigator Name and Investigator Title. Could you let me know what information you need for these two fields?","Investigator name = Name of the Principal Investigator for the project\n\nInvestigator title = Job title of the Principal Investigator","2023-12-11"]
[16,"If approved for funding, can we be reimbursed for expenses that have already occurred prior to the actual funding?","Please refer to Section IV.I.ii. of the FOA for guidance on pre-award costs.  ","2023-12-11"]
[17,"What I wanted to know is if anyone from your program staff offer consultations prior to concept paper submittal? I have some questions about the GRIP program and whether or not it is a good fit for my agency and the projects we have. ","Questions regarding specific project/concept papers cannot \nbe currently addressed but questions clarifying this FOA may be submitted to: \nFOA3195@netl.doe.gov. \n\nAll questions and answers related to this FOA will be posted on Exchange at: https://infrastructure\u0002exchange.energy.gov/.\n\n","2023-12-11"]
[18,"Per the FOA Cost Share section B viii: It says the cost share must be verifiable upon submission of the Full Application. Does this mean it is \"unencumbered\" or available and ready to be used, and is not any source of future funding coming in later?","Applicants are required to provide written assurance of their proposed cost share contributions in their Full Applications.\nUpon selection for award negotiations, applicants are required to provide additional information and documentation regarding their cost share contributions. Please refer to \"Cost Verification\" in Section III and Appendix A of the FOA.  If this does not address your question, please clarify (including a specific example) and re-submit.","2023-12-11"]
[19,"Per the FOA, the cost share requirement for Topic Area 1 is listed below. Can you provide an example of this? If an entity is requesting $10M of federal funds, does this mean they need to contribute cost share of another $10M, totaling a $20M project? If this is the case, previous FOAs have communicate this as 50% cost share.\n\n“Topic Area 1: approximately $918 million Federal funding; 100% cost match (small utility exception of 1/3 cost match). “","Topic Area 1 requires Cost Match.  Cost match is different than Cost Share.   \n\nCost \"matching” for the non-federal share is calculated as a percentage of the Federal funds only, rather than the Total Project Cost.  \n\nFor Topic Area 1, 100% cost match of $918M Federal dollars would be $918M in cost match.","2023-12-11"]
[20,"When looking at infrastructure exchange, what action creates the control number?","Once an Applicant beings the process to submit their concept paper, the control number will be generated once they press save and continue on the General tab. ","2023-12-11"]
[21,"1.\tIf an applicant has a project that is eligible for both Topic Area 1 and Topic Area 2, can the applicant submit concept paper for Topic Area 2 and later transfer that concept paper to Topic Area 1 for full application submission? \n \n2.\tIf not, can the applicant submit the same project for concept papers in both Topic Area 1 &amp; 2?","1. Applicants should indicate the Topic Area that is most relevant to their application on the Concept Paper form.   \n\nHowever, if DOE determines that the projects would be better suited to a different Topic Area, this feedback will be provided to the Applicant with their concept paper notification(s). \n\n2. An entity may submit more than one Concept Paper and Full Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each Full Application.  Reference Section III, Limitation of on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review.  However, each Concept Paper must be limited to a single Topic Area. Do not consolidate multiple Topic Areas into a single Concept Paper.   Reference Section IV, Content and Form of the Concept Paper.","2023-12-22"]
[22,"I wanted to clarify eligibility requirements for the DOE FOA-0003195: BIL - GRID RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS (GRIP) – please see questions below:\n \n1)\tFor the Concept Paper phase, does the applicant need to submit the Project Description and Assurances Document Template (PDAD) if they are applying under Topic Area 1 or 3? Or is this only required for the Full Application phase?\n\n\n2)\tFor the Concept Paper phase, does the applicant need to submit any pre-approval or eligibility documentation prior to submitting the Concept Paper? Or is the completed Concept Paper Form the only required material/documentation for a project to be considered under the Concept Paper phase?","1.)-The PDAD is required with the Full Application and not required for Concept Paper submission.  Reference Section IV, Full Application Content Requirements.\n\n2.)- Only the Concept Paper form is required (i.e., no other documentation) except for applicants applying to Topic Area 1.  Applicants who are small utilities applying to Topic Area 1 must submit the EIA Form 861 for the last reporting year showing the total retail electricity sales to ultimate customers to ensure status as a small utility.  Reference Section IV, Content and Form of Concept Paper.","2023-12-22"]
[23,"I had a question regarding submitting GRIP concept papers: can we submit our own concept paper and be part of multiple joint applications? Does having multiple submissions have any negative impacts? Appreciate any clarity you can provide.","Yes.  An entity may submit more than one Concept Paper and Full Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each Full Application.  Reference Section III, Limitation of on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review.  However, each Concept Paper must be limited to a single Topic Area. Do not consolidate multiple Topic Areas into a single Concept Paper.   Reference Section IV, Content and Form of the Concept Paper.","2023-12-22"]
[24,"1. Must I use a separate Exchange ID to download the CP template, enter content, and upload completed form to Exchange using the same ID?\n2. Or can I download multiple instances of the template, complete entry of all content, and upload using same ID?\n3. Or other combination?","Each concept paper must be submitted separately, and the system will assign a separate Exchange ID to use when submitting the Full Application.","2023-12-22"]
[25,"RESERVED","RESERVED","RESERVED"]
[26,"We received several questions asking if a technology vendor submits as a primary applicant, will they be able to provide cost share? ","The funding opportunity announcement (FOA) was modified to provide clarifications.  Reference modification 000002 issued 12/21/2023  After review of modification 000002, if  applicants need additional clarification, please re-submit your question for a response.","2023-12-22"]
[27,"1.\tPlease describe how software is treated under this FOA. If new software needs to be coded for the project, does the developer retain ownership? \n\n2.\tCan software coding be considered as part of the cost share for a vendor?","1. The standard DOE financial assistance intellectual property provisions applicable to the various types of recipients are located at http://energy.gov/gc/standard-intellectual-property-ip-provisions-financial-assistance-awards.  In addition, the prime recipient and subrecipients may assert copyright in copyrightable works, such as software, first produced under the award without DOE approval. When copyright is asserted, the government retains a paid-up nonexclusive, irrevocable worldwide license to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and to perform publicly and display publicly the copyrighted work. This license extends to contractors and others doing work on behalf of the government. \n\n2. Vendors cannot provide cost share.  Reference Section III, Cost Share Types and Allowability\n\nPlease note:  The funding opportunity announcement (FOA) will be modified to provide clarifications regarding technology providers.  Reference modification 000002.  Once released, if applicants need additional clarification, please re-submit your question for a response.","2023-12-22"]
[28,"Are applications that include a mix of both large utilities (> 4 million MWh) and small utilities (< 4 million MWh) as subrecipients allowable under Topic Area 1?","Yes. Reference Section III, Eligible Applicants for the kinds of domestic entities that must be proposed as the prime applicant.","2023-12-22"]
[29,"For background: I am working with a joint action agency client who serves multiple cities and towns across the region to put together an application; they would like to involve the communities served more directly in the pursuit through partnership agreements and subrecipient arrangements.\n\nHere’s the question: Several of the potential subrecipients on a Topic Area 1 application would be counted as small utility’s under the NOFO’s definition (<4,000,000 Mwh) and could qualify for the a third cost share; the prime applicant, however, would not count as a small utility and would provide a 50/50 cost share. Would the small utility as a subrecipient on the larger project still be able to provide a one-third cost share on their portion of the project, or would everyone involved in the application need to provide a 50/50 cost share? Or are the specific arrangements with subrecipient cost share flexible, as long as the overall project provides the required 50/50 cost share overall?","Cost share is determined at the applicant level.\n\nThe applicant would determine the specific arrangements with its subrecipients as long as the overall cost share meets the Topic Area cost share requirements specified in the FOA.  Reference Section III, Cost Sharing.","2023-12-22"]
[30,"I had a quick question regarding the teaming list; when will the list of people who submitted entries be uploaded to the Exchange?  \n\nShould I submit this question to the NETL email address?","If/when interested organizations express their interest to explore potential partnerships, DOE will issue the Teaming Partner List (and any subsequent updates, as applicable) in the Clean Energy Infrastructure Exchange (“Exchange\") website. Participation is not required. Reference Section I, Teaming Partner List.","2023-12-22"]
[31,"1.\tWill the submitter get an email confirmation after hitting the \"Submit\" button in the pdf? How does that technology work within the embedded pdf? \n2.\tDo you have to be logged in to Exchange for the button to work? \n3.\tWhat if someone in my organization accidently hits the button? Overall, would you please provide more guidance on the \"Submit\" button. Thanks.","1. Yes.  When the Concept Paper is successfully submitted, the system will display a ‘Concept Paper Response’ screen (see example below) that will notify you that a Concept Paper response is not yet available. The submission status on the screen will display ‘Submitted.’ Additionally, the Infrastructure eXCHANGE system will send an automated email to you confirming submission.  Reference the “Infrastructure eXCHANGE Applicant User Guide” in eXCHANGE.\n2. Yes, applicants need to be registered in eXCHANGE and be logged in to submit a concept paper and/or full application.\n3. The applicant can un-submit their submission and revise it as many times as needed provided that the submission deadline has not passed.  Once the deadline has passed, no further revisions can be made to the submission.","2023-12-22"]
[32,"Is there a timeframe that construction needs to start or be complete by if approved for grant funding?","DOE anticipates making awards that will run from 60 months to 96 months in \nlength. \nPlease see Section II.A.ii for more information on this FOA's Periods of Performance. ","2023-12-22"]
[33,"Has DOE considered issuing programmatic BABA waivers for certain products that we all know are not produced in the USA in sufficient quantity like storage batteries? Similarly to what DOT did for EV chargers whose installation has begun by October 1, 2024? Seems inefficient to have every grantee have to go through a BABA product waiver.","Consistent with Appendix C of the FOA document, if applicable, within the first two pages of the workplan, applicants must provide a short statement on whether the project will involve the construction, alteration, and/or repair of infrastructure in the United States.  The ultimate determination about whether a project includes infrastructure remains with DOE, but the applicant’s statement will assist project planning and integration of domestic preference requirements, which may impact the project’s proposed budget. If an applicant or recipient is seeking a waiver of the Buy America requirements, it may submit a waiver request after it has been notified of its selection for award negotiations. ","2023-12-22"]
[34,"We had two questions regarding the GRIP grants, Topic Area 2: \n\nQ: Does the definition of domestic control stop at the next level? Or will DOE be looking through to the ultimate owner to determine ownership? \n\nQ: on p. 18 it says: &quot;Investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.&quot; Does getting the grant mean awardees cannot layer Inflation Reduction Act tax credits onto an awarded project?","FOA Section III and IV discuss Eligibility Information including information related to domestic entity and foreign involvment requirements. \n\nConsistent with Section I.B.ii for Topic Area 2 investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, are not eligible for Smart Grid grant funding under Topic Area 2. No such prohibition exists for Topic Area 1 or 3.","2023-12-22"]
[35,"We need to know would a prototype 1MW10hour magnetic flow battery (MFB) by 2025/2036 qualify for the GRID/GRIP FOA 3195 Topic 3 for $10M?","DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.\n\nPlease see Section III of the FOA document for Eligibility Information. ","2023-12-22"]
[36,"I have three questions regarding FOA 3195. \n\n1.\tIs there a page limit or word count limit (either for the whole document or individual questions) on the concept paper?\n2.\tI recently reviewed the DOE’s National Transmission Needs Study. I am curious if the results of this study will inform the decision-making process for the 2nd round of GRIP funding. More specifically, will the fact that a project addresses priority needs outlined in the study factor into the GRIP scoring? \n3.\tWill there be geographic prioritization based on the first round of funding? (i.e. will states that received less funding last time be prioritized this round)","1.) The Concept Paper Form has been updated with character limits.\n2.) All applications should demonstrate how the proposed new, innovative approaches  interact with the proposal and how the proposal will be leveraging existing local, state, regional, and federal resource that identify system needs, including the National Transmission Needs Study.\n3.) Please see Section V.D. of the FOA document for information on the Evaluation and Selection process. ","2023-12-22"]
[37,"1.\tCan you confirm that the 2024 GRIP funding is combining 2024 and 2025 allocations?\n2.\tWill there be a grant application process in 2025 for the remaining funding?\n3.\tWhat is the balance of funding for each topic area after the round two solicitation series?","1.) It is anticipated that this FOA (FOA-0003195) will provide Federal funding of $3.9 billion for Fiscal Years 2024-2025.\n2&3.) DOE has not yet determined the form, timing, or funding level associated with any future GRIP solicitations.","2023-12-22"]
[38,"RESERVED","RESERVED","RESERVED"]
[39,"Is a project to deploy standards-based interoperable demand response that improves G&T&D capacity factors a fit?","Please review Section I.B. for each Topic Area to determine if this is a fit in any topic area.","2023-12-22"]
[40,"1. Can you provide the character limit for each field within the Concept Paper Form? \n2. On page 45 of the FOA, it says \"Each Full Application must be limited to a single concept or technology. Do not consolidate unrelated concepts and technologies in a single Full Application.\"  Please explain what \"single concept or technology\" and \"unrelated\" means.  For example, would a project that deploys both FLISR and DLR be prohibited as including two different, unrelated technologies?\n","1.) The Concept Paper Form has been updated with character limits. \n2.) Unrelated refers to project scope/technologies that do not have a connected use. Please review FOA Section I.B for each topic area and FOA 2175 factsheets for some examples of applicable projects using related technolgies.","2023-12-22"]
[41," Does the guidance below only apply to grant recipients? Or does the guidance also apply to sub-recipients (which Nexamp would be in this case)?\n\nBased on the GRIP grant FAQs:\nCan Investments in assets that are ITC eligible (e.g. battery energy storage systems) be used to meet the cost-share requirements even though page 28 in the FOA suggests that they’re not eligible to receive Smart Grid grant funding?\nPer 42, U.S.C.A. section 17386(c)(1), Smart Grid investments do not include “(1)[i]Investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.”  Therefore, an investment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code are not permitted.","The guidance in the FOA is applicable to all parties providing cost share.","2023-12-22"]
[42,"I’m following up on email below given the time sensitive nature of the request. I’m aware that the prime recipient of a GRIP cannot claim the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) but grateful if you could please clarify if a sub-recipient of a GRIP grant can claim the ITC.","The guidance in the FOA is applicable to all parties providing cost share.","2023-12-22"]
[43,"Section III B on page 35 states that, for Topic Area 1 applications, cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law. Are rural electric cooperatives able to use USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) loan dollars to meet cost share requirements?","Assuming that eligible purposes of a USDA/RUS Electric loan and GRIP funding overlap, funds from such RUS loan may be used to satisfy the non-federal cost match requirement in the GRIP FOA.  However, any portion of such loan that is to be forgiven at a future date may not be used to satisfy the non-federal share","UPDATED 1/4/24"]
[44,"1. If an applicant has a project that is eligible for both Topic Area 1 and Topic Area 2, can the applicant submit concept paper for Topic Area 2 and later transfer that concept paper to Topic Area 1 for full application submission?\n \n2. If not, can the applicant submit the same project for concept papers in both Topic Area 1 &2?","1. Applicants should indicate the Topic Area that is most relevant to their application on the Concept Paper form.   \n\nHowever, if DOE determines that the projects would be better suited to a different Topic Area, this feedback will be provided to the Applicant with their concept paper notification(s). \n\n2. An entity may submit more than one Concept Paper and Full Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each Full Application.  Reference Section III, Limitation of on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review.  However, each Concept Paper must be limited to a single Topic Area. Do not consolidate multiple Topic Areas into a single Concept Paper.   Reference Section IV, Content and Form of the Concept Paper.","2023-12-22"]
[45,"1. Will the submitter get an email confirmation after hitting the \"Submit\" button in the pdf? How does that technology work within the embedded pdf?\n2. Do you have to be logged in to Exchange for the button to work?\n3. What if someone in my organization accidently hits the button? Overall, would you please provide more guidance on the \"Submit\" button. Thanks.","1. Yes.  When the Concept Paper is successfully submitted, the system will display a ‘Concept Paper Response’ screen (see example below) that will notify you that a Concept Paper response is not yet available. The submission status on the screen will display ‘Submitted.’ Additionally, the Infrastructure eXCHANGE system will send an automated email to you confirming submission.  Reference the “Infrastructure eXCHANGE Applicant User Guide” in eXCHANGE.\n2. Yes, applicants need to be registered in eXCHANGE and be logged in to submit a concept paper and/or full application.\n3. The applicant can un-submit their submission and revise it as many times as needed provided that the submission deadline has not passed.  Once the deadline has passed, no further revisions can be made to the submission.","2023-12-22"]
[46,"Non-federal cost match qualification for donated materials and equipment\n\nIs the donation of used, slightly used and/or new electric utility materials and equipment by a sub applicant to another sub applicant eligible for 50% cash match. The donated equipment would be used to enhance a training program. If so, is there guidance provided on how to correctly assign a value for the donated equipment and materials in the budget justification?","Please reference Appendix A, Cost Share Information which includes information on acceptable contributions, valuing & documenting contributions, etc.","2024-01-04"]
[47,"Can a state agency be the prime applicant for more than one application in the GRIP Topic area 3 category, given the applications are totally different subject?","Yes.  Reference Section III, Limitation of on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review.  However, each Concept Paper must be limited to a single Topic Area and must concern a distinct scope from other submitted Concept Papers. Do not consolidate multiple Topic Areas into a single Concept Paper.   Reference Section IV, Content and Form of the Concept Paper.","2024-01-04"]
[48,"In reviewing the GRIP program information on your website, I did not see anything about small business contracting/subcontracting opportunities.  Are there any requirements under this program that a certain percentage of grant and/or federal procurement dollars be set-aside or considered for small and/small disadvantaged businesses?","While there are no requirements or set-asides as described in your question, this FOA supports DOE’s commitment to the Justice40 Initiative, by requiring that applicants succinctly describe how their approach to the Community Benefits Plan  will contribute to the Justice40 Initiative goal that 40% of overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. \n\nThese benefits include  (but are not limited to) measurable direct or indirect investments or positive project outcomes that achieve or contribute to the following in disadvantaged communities: (1) a decrease in energy burden; (2) a decrease in environmental exposure and burdens; (3) an increase in access to low-cost capital; (4) an increase in high-quality job creation, the clean energy job pipeline, and job training for individuals; (5) increases in clean energy enterprise creation and contracting (e.g., minority-owned or disadvantaged business enterprises); (6) increases in energy democracy, including community ownership; (7) increased parity in clean energy technology access and adoption; and (8) an increase in energy resilience. \n\nAlso, within Topic Area 1 of the FOA, there is a Small Utility set-aside: Thirty percent (30%) of the total funding available will be set aside for small utilities, which are defined as entities that sell no more than 4,000,000 MWh of electricity per year. ","2024-01-04"]
[49,"1) With Modification 1 to the solicitation and the requirement that Concept Papers conform to the provided GDO Concept Paper template, are applicants allowed to insert figures, diagrams, tables, or other graphics into the provided fields to help reviewers better understand elements of the proposed project (e.g., organizational charts, maps, pictures of proposed technologies) as would usually be possible and allowable if a Concept Paper was being written using MS Word (or similar) and submitted as a PDF - as it was under the prior round of GRIP, DE-FOA-0002740?\n\n2) The provided PDF-based form does not appear to allow insertion of images as described above.  As the Modification instructs on p.40 that, “the Concept Paper must conform [emphasis added] to the requirements of the Concept Paper Form that is available on Exchange,” does this allow applicants to not use GDO’s form and instead to draft a Concept Paper in MS Word (or similar) as long as it includes the same information, approximate layout, sections, and character length limits on text but allow the insertion of additional images?  The similar language on p. 41 regarding the Concept Paper template is ambiguous, once using “conform” and once using “required”.","Reference Question 4. ","2024-01-04"]
[50,"Is it possible to see what terms and conditions one must comply with in order to win a GRIP smart grid award","No, specific award terms and conditions are not available to view; however, the Funding Opporunity Annoucement provides detailed information on compliance, technical review criteria and other guidance for the submission of an eligible application. ","2024-01-04"]
[51,"Here are the questions we have for DE-FOA-0003195.\n1.\tDoes this FOA allow salary and fringe costs for personnel that are directly involved in the project?\n2.\tCan we use cost escalation?\n3.\tCan we include contingency in the construction costs?\n4.\tIs there a process for requesting the de minimus 10% indirect cost rate?","1. Yes                                                                                                                                                                             \n2. Yes                                                                                                                                                                                 \n3. Yes                                                                                                                                                                              \n4. Indicate use of the 10% de minimus cost rate on the Indirects worksheet of the Budget Justification. ","2024-01-04"]
[52,"DOE received several requests from interested parties requesting to speak with a DOE representative about their technology and proposed project idea(s).","Per Section VII of the FOA:\n\nUpon the issuance of a FOA, DOE personnel are prohibited from communicating (in writing or otherwise) with applicants regarding the FOA except through the established question and answer process as described below. Specifically, questions regarding this FOA must be submitted to: FOA3195@netl.doe.gov.  Questions must be submitted not later than 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\nAll questions and answers related to this FOA will be posted on Exchange at: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/. You must first select this specific FOA Number to view the questions and answers specific to this FOA. GDO will attempt to respond to a question within 3 business days unless a similar question and answer has already been posted on the website.\n\nQuestions related to the registration process and use of the Exchange website should be submitted to: InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov. ","2024-01-04"]
[53,"We have an award that was recently awarded by our local energy company with a scope that falls within the Track 1 Grid Resilience proposal options. My question is whether we can use the existing award as part of the cost-share for the GRIP proposal to supplement the work or would this have to be newly appropriated funds specifically related to the GRIP proposal? \n","Costs may not be counted as cost share if they are paid by the federal government under another award unless authorized by federal statute to be used for cost sharing.  If the award you referenced did not involve Federal funds, determining allowability would be dependent up on the circumstances.  Reference Cost Share Information in Appendix A.","2024-01-04"]
[54,"If we are partnering with an organization to go after one topic area, can we apply on our own for another topic area?","Yes.  Reference Section III, Limitation of on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review.  However, each Concept Paper must be limited to a single Topic Area. Do not consolidate multiple Topic Areas into a single Concept Paper.   Reference Section IV, Content and Form of the Concept Paper.","2024-01-04"]
[55,"We are considering responding to Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0003195, Topic Area 2.  We understand that the Dept. of Energy is beginning to support Other Transactions agreements (https://www.energy.gov/management/other-transaction-authority), and want to enquire whether an OTA would be considered for this program.  Language within the “OT Guide final Sept 2023.pdf” describes our situation:\n\n“When structuring the OT agreement for an expenditure-based or resource-sharing type project, the AO will consider the capability of the awardee’s accounting system. Agreements that impose requirements that will cause an awardee to revise or alter its existing accounting system are discouraged. The AO will not enter into an OT agreement that provides for payment based on cost reimbursement if the awardee does not have an accounting system capable of identifying the costs to individual awards.”","No, under this Funding Opportunity Announcement, DOE will issue cooperative agreements (Topic Area 3 only) and grants (Topic Areas 1 and 2 only).  Reference DOE Funding Agreements in Section II.","2024-01-04"]
[56,"The FOA Number DE-FOA-0003195 indicates at the bottom of page 51 that “Applicants are required to submit three-page resumes for each project manager and key personnel that include the following…”\n\nI would like to seek clarification if it is permissible to include resumes that are less than three pages. ","Yes, the 3-page requirement is the maximum number of pages that can be submitted; however, applicants should ensure that all of the required information has been included in the resume.  Reference Resumes in Section IV.","2024-01-04"]
[57,"The portal concept paper page does not have a space to upload the Concept Paper form published and required within the FOA. Will we be able to upload the concept paper form after submitting the concept paper page on the portal?","Yes. When submitting a concept paper, Applicants must first complete fields on the Concept Paper page on the Exhange Portal.This step will generate the Exchange control number but it does NOT constitute a Concept Paper Submission at this point in the process.   After the Exchange control number is generated, Applicants must \"continue\" with the submission and finish filling out the remaining concept paper fields and upload the required form(s) (under \"Upload and Submit\").  When ready, Applicants will hit the \"Submit\" button to transmit your concept paper.","2024-01-04"]
[58,"Teaming Partner List – As of Dec 11, there is no Teaming Partner list. \na.\tThere are no instructions for how we would provide an entry to NETL/GDO for inclusion in the GRIP Teaming Partner List.\n","Instructions are provided in the Funding Opportunity Annoucement.  Refernce Teaming Partner List in Section I.  In summary, to join the Teaming Partner List, submit a request within Exchange. Select the appropriate Teaming Partner List from the drop-down menu, and fill in the following information: Investigator Name, Organization Name, Organization\nType, Topic Area, Background and Capabilities, Website, Contact Address,\nContact Email, and Contact Phone.","2024-01-04"]
[59,"I have a question regarding the “small utility” qualification.  We serve multiple states and territories with both electric and gas. We have 3 separate Electric Utilities (EUs).  Each one of these EU’s sells less than the 4,000,000 MWh of electricity per year on their own, but total of all 3 is above the threshold. My question is, can we apply for each EU’s Topic 1 separately under the small utility set aside for the 1/3 match, or do we have to apply with all 3 EU’s combined which would eliminate us from the small utility set-aside? Thank you for your time.         ","For Topic Area 1, multiple entities owned by a single holding company are eligible if they independently qualify as an eligible entity under Topic Area 1 as identified in Section 40101(a)(2)(A)-(G). In these cases, each party that wishes to ensure status as a Small Utility  (defined as entities that sell no more than 4,000,000 MWh of electricity per year) must submit all information required in Addendum A of the Concept Paper. Small Utilities that apply as a consortium are eligible for the small utility set-aside and small utility cost match requirements. Depending on the team set-up of the application, the application could be considered a consortium approach. \nDOE will not make eligibility determinations for specific potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.","2023-01-04"]
[60,"I have two clarifying questions regarding the technical approaches of interest for topic area 1 (40101(c)).\n\nWhen the language reads:\n\nApproaches to construct new transmission (at or above 69 kV) Line completes a radial loop or solves an N-1 contingency issue.                                                                                                                 \n                                                                                                                                                                                                    \nDoes this mean that projects over 69 kV are only eligible if they complete a radial loop or solve an N-1 contingency issue, and if not they must be under 69kV? \n\nAdditionally, what do you consider “covering multiple utility service territories”?","1.) For Topic Area 1, approaches to construct new transmission lines (at or above 69 kV) \ninfrastructure must complete a radial loop or resolve a specific, identified contingency condition. All other new electric transmission in this topic area must be below 69 kV.\n\n2.) Projects that involve coordination and collaboration among different utilities and/or utility holding companies and impact more than one of those utilities' service territories. ","2024-01-04"]
[61,"We want to get more clarity around how DOE is defining generation to understand what parts of a microgrid are eligible for GRIP funding. If the solar array and generator are excluded, is the rest of a microgrid eligible? Can we use the generation portion of the project as cost share? Typically, a generation facility is a new power plant vs remote grids typically classified as a distribution asset. Does DOE care about the hardware vs asset class categorization? ","New generation refers to any equipment or software that will be used in the creation of electricity including distribution-sited solar. Under Topic Area 1, new generation is ineligble to receive funding and ineligble to provide cost match. Equipment / software, including for use in microgrids and/or to integrate renewable electricity is eligible for funding in Topic Area 1 and of interest in this FOA. This restriction does not apply in Topic Areas 2 and 3.","2023-01-04"]
[62,"FOA 3195 references “advanced conductors” several times without definition, including as a priority area of investment (p. 7) and in defining exception (b) to the project maximum award size for Topic Area 2 (p. 31). We understand the definition of “advanced conductors” to be based on characteristics that are common to all new and advanced conductor technologies, such as the fact that the power flow capacities of all such technologies are greater than the power flow capacities of ACSR conductors, at a given voltage level. This definition would be inclusive of superconductors.\n\nCan DOE please confirm that the definition of “advanced conductors” is (1) intended to be technology agnostic subject to the requirement that the technology is able to meet the requirement of demonstrating “at least a 1.5x improvement in transfer capacity” (p. 12, p. 16), or another analogous common characteristic, and (2) that the definition includes superconductors?\n","For this FOA, DOE is interested in projects that expand transmission and distribution capacity of existing rights-of-way through advanced reconductoring approaches that increase capacity/ampacity 1.5x relative to the existing equipment, inclusive to supeconductors. \n\nThese approaches include but are not limited to the deployment of advanced conductors, defined as having a modern composite and/or carbon cores (per the FOA document). \n\n","2024-01-04"]
[63,"Two Questions: \n\n1.\tCan we include images in the concept paper form or submission? \n2.\tPlease explain what \"single concept or technology\" and \"unrelated\" means.  For example, would a project that deploys both FLISR and DLR be prohibited as including two different, unrelated technologies? On page 45 of the FOA, it says \"Each Full Application must be limited to a single concept or technology. Do not\nconsolidate unrelated concepts and technologies in a single Full Application.\"  \n","1:   Reference Question 4.\n\n2:  Per Section IV.D.i of the FOA document, \"Each Full Application must be limited to a single concept or technology. Do not consolidate unrelated concepts and technologies in a single Full Application.\" Please also reference the answer posted to Question 21.","2023-01-04"]
[64,"Do you know that small utilities that form consortia are still considered small utilities under the GRIP program (so if 15 small utilities formed a consortia in a state, would they still have the lower cost match and meet the set-aside?)","Reference Question 59.","2024-01-04"]
[65,"Could you please advise if there will be additional rounds of GRIP funding calls beyond this second one?","Reference Question 37. ","2023-01-04"]
[66,"Can you please provide clarity regarding the \"no new electric generating facilities\" limitation? Is it safe to say that DERs and microgrids only apply to topic area 3?","Reference Question 61.","2024-01-04"]
[67,"I am reaching out in regards to potential eligibility for an industrial scale battery electric storage system (BESS) project for topic area 1.  A couple of key questions I have are around the following:\n\n1)\tWould a company that is developing a battery storage facility, which it intends to own and operate, qualify under the eligible category of electricity storage operator? \n\n2)\tIf a certain level of investment has already been incurred prior to and/or during the application process (not concept paper), will that have any impact on the qualification of the project to receive grant funds?  If so, is there a threshold or level of tolerance that is acceptable for capital expenditure related to the project during this period?\n","1.) Consistent with 42 USC 18711(a)(2) and the eligibility information for Topic Area 1 contained in Section III.A. of the FOA, only the following domestic entities are eligible to apply as the prime recipient: electric grid operator; electricity storage operator; electricity generator; transmission owner or operator; distribution provider; fuel supplier; and any other relevant entity, as determined by the Secretary.  An applicant must be one of these listed entities in order to be a prime recipient of an award under this FOA, entities that seek to be designated as eligible can email GRIP@hq.doe.gov for more information on this process.  If an entity is an electricity storage operator, transmission owner or operator, a grid operator or any other eligible entity as listed in the eligibility information for Topic Area 1 contained in Section III.A, then that entity is an eligible entity in their own capacity and may apply as the prime recipient. \n\nPlease note, DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the \ndate on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. \n\n2.) Please see Section III.B and Appendix A of the FOA document for comprehensive information on Cost Sharing requirements for this FOA.  ","2023-01-04"]
[68,"How can we provide entry to a teaming partner list? ","Thank you for your interest in the Grid Deployment Office’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program. \n\nSection I.A.v of the Funding Opportunity Announcement details the instructions for entities who wish to join our Teaming Partner List and potentially join on a project. \n\nSUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: View the Teaming Partner List by visiting the Exchange homepage and clicking on “Teaming Partners” within the left-hand navigation pane. This page allows users to view published Teaming Partner Lists. To join the Teaming Partner List, submit a request within Exchange. Select the appropriate Teaming Partner List from the drop-down menu, and fill in the following information: Investigator Name, Organization Name, Organization Type, Topic Area, Background and Capabilities, Website, Contact Address, Contact Email, and Contact Phone. \n\nDISCLAIMER: By submitting a request to be included on the Teaming Partner List, the requesting organization consents to the publication of the above-referenced information. By facilitating the Teaming Partner List, DOE is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals and organizations that are identifying themselves for placement on this Teaming Partner List. DOE will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any applicants or requesting organizations for the development of such information.","2024-01-09"]
[69,"If submitting concept paper to a topic area, can the full application be submitted to a different topic area?","Reference Question 21.","2024-01-09"]
[70,"Eligible Applicants for each Topic Area are listed in the FOA.  For Topic Area 1 it is listed that “any other relevant entity, as determined by the Secretary” may also be considered as an Eligible Applicant.  What is the process for requesting such a determination of eligibility from the Secretary?","Reference Question 67. ","2024-01-09"]
[71,"Emailing this address as it was provided as a resource for Q&A.\n\nA review of the GRIP round 2 FOA suggests Topic Area 2 Smart Grid Grants (Section 40107) are not eligible for federal tax credits. The suggestive language is below:\n\n \nCan you please advise on whether the two other sections, section 40101 (c) Grid Resilience and Section 40103(b) Grid Innovation may be eligible to receive federal tax credits?\n","Reference Question 34. ","2024-01-09"]
[72,"After reviewing the solicitation released on FOA3195, we have a few questions that would be helpful to receive some additional clarification on – \n•\tThere appears to be an emphasis in the solicitation and webinar on 11/20 on vendor-led/utility consortium applications; however, there does not appear to be much guidance on defining what a vendor-led/utility consortium looks like – will there be more guidance provided in the coming weeks as to how a vendor-led/utility consortium project should be structured, potential limitations, organization of flow of funds, etc.?\n•\tFor the vendor-led/utility consortium Concept Paper stage applications, does the community benefits plan need to address each and every utility partner’s community or can the response target the specific community(s) where the greatest-impact or most fully contemplated plans/benefits have been established?\n•\tFor the concept paper stage of the submission, should the application include letters of support or will these not be needed until the full application stage?","Reference Question 26. \n\nRegardless of applying entity, per FOA guidance, applicants should succinctly describe their overall approach to their Community Benefits Plan, address the four core elements and summarize the overall anticipated benefits that will accrue to impacted communities, explicitly including impacts to disadvantaged communities. \n\nPlease reference Section IV.C of the FOA, Content and Form of the Concept Paper.","2024-01-09"]
[73,"I'd like to follow up on an earlier question and answer:\n\nQ:  Can Investments in assets that are ITC eligible (e.g. battery energy storage systems) be used to meet the cost-share requirements even though page 28 in the FOA suggests that they’re not eligible to receive Smart Grid grant funding?\n\nA: Per 42, U.S.C.A. section 17386(c)(1), Smart Grid investments do not include “(1)[i]Investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.”  Therefore, an investment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code are not permitted.\n\nDoes the earlier answer pertain only to projects in Topic Area 2 - Smart Grid?  Can investment in assets that are ITC eligible be used by a subrecipient to meet the cost-share requirements for a project in Topic Areas 1 or 3?\n\n","Reference Question 34. ","2024-01-09"]
[74,"How can a company that specializes in EMP protection for Utilities and Data Centers for EMP protection of the Grid get involved in this FOA? ","Thank you for your interest in the Grid Deployment Office’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program. \n\nSection I.A.v of the Funding Opportunity Announcement details the instructions for entities who wish to join our Teaming Partner List and potentially join on a project. \n\nSUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: View the Teaming Partner List by visiting the Exchange homepage and clicking on “Teaming Partners” within the left-hand navigation pane. This page allows users to view published Teaming Partner Lists. To join the Teaming Partner List, submit a request within Exchange. Select the appropriate Teaming Partner List from the drop-down menu, and fill in the following information: Investigator Name, Organization Name, Organization Type, Topic Area, Background and Capabilities, Website, Contact Address, Contact Email, and Contact Phone. \n\nDISCLAIMER: By submitting a request to be included on the Teaming Partner List, the requesting organization consents to the publication of the above-referenced information. By facilitating the Teaming Partner List, DOE is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals and organizations that are identifying themselves for placement on this Teaming Partner List. DOE will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any applicants or requesting organizations for the development of such information.","2024-01-09"]
[75,"1.\tCould a company take the ITC as a subrecipient under topic areas 1 or 3?  \n2.\tCan a company take the ITC as primary or subrecipient under topic area 2.  \n3.\tCan a public company apply as the lead applicant in Topic Area #2 with a BTM grid resiliency proposal?\n4.\tWhat are the requirements / constraints of 50% cost share commitment?  Can state level funding, federal ITC, TPO financing vehicles be leveraged to deliver the required 50%?","1 & 2. Reference Question 34. \n3. Please reference Section III of the FOA for detailed Eligibility Information. DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. \n4. Please reference Section III.A and Appendix A of the FOA for detailed cost share information and requirements. Also, reference Question 34. ","2024-01-09"]
[76,"Please see the question below regarding GRIP FOA3195:\n\nThe FOA states (on page 18) for Topic Area 2: Smart Grid Grants (40107) that “qualifying Smart Grid investments do not include…investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code.” Does the same prohibition against using tax credits apply to any technologies, devices or equipment used in applications for Topic Area 1 (Grid Resilience Grants) or Topic Area 3 (Grid Innovation Program)?\n\n","Reference Question 34. ","2024-01-09"]
[77,"A couple additional questions to reply with that get to the heart of our concept:\n\nIn the DOE FOA for the Puerto Rico Resilience Fund on page 26 states “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: Applicants of both Topic Areas will describe their high-level strategy to take advantage of any applicable tax laws (e.g., investment tax credit) relevant to the objectives of this FOA” . \n1.\tOur team at Generac wanted to know can this be applicable in the GRIP program?  For instance, on Topic 2, can a recipient and/or sub-recipient own a distributed energy resource (e.g., PV system, battery) installed at a low-income customer’s home and utilize grant funding to pay for all or a portion of the equipment?  \n2.\tWith regard to Topic 2, can a recipient and/or sub-recipient use the federal investment tax credit to reduce the installed cost of a distributed energy resource (e.g., PV system, battery) installed at a low-income customer’s home and then utilize GRIP grant to pay for the balance of the installed cost (thus reducing the grant/installation amount)?","Restrictions on investment tax credit use are not uniform across Topic Areas within this FOA. Please reference Question 34. \n\n","2024-01-09"]
[78,"For all Topic Areas, there are exceptions for project sizes for applicants that aggregate multiple utility service territories, which allows applicants to apply for larger grant sizes. Does the DOE have guidance for what defines multiple service areas? Hawaii has four separate electric service territories, each are separate islanded grids and were historically managed by four separate utilities. Three of the services areas—Oahu, Maui/Molokai/Lanai, and Hawaii (Big Island)—are currently serviced by Hawaiian Electric. As a corollary, in transportation, for example, the State of Hawaii receives federal interstate transportation funds even though Hawaiian interstate highways do not leave the state—we're wondering if the same logic applies to this DOE situation.","Please reference Question 60: projects that involve coordination and collaboration among different utilities and/or utility holding companies and impact more than one of those utilities' service territories. ","2024-01-09"]
[79,"Could you please provide more detail around what a significant transmission investment means for purposes of qualifying for the $1 billion exception under topic 3?  If nothing else, can you confirm whether a portfolio of projects making up a concept paper have to all be transmission to be eligible for the $1 billion or could a portfolio of transmission and other eligible projects in combination also qualify for the $1 billion?","Per FOA guidance, \"Innovative project approaches on the transmission system, including those leveraging advanced transmission technologies and those that can reduce or remove the existing technical, economic, and/or regulatory barrier(s) necessary to accelerate wide scale transmission expansion and renewable energy interconnection. Proposed solutions should demonstrate enhanced transmission system operational flexibility or capacity while enhancing reliability. Projects that meet these objectives are eligible for a higher maximum federal award.\"\n\nPlease reference Section I.B.iii for guidance on Topic Area 3 objectives, technical approaches of interest and priority investments. ","2024-01-09"]
[80,"In reference to the concept paper question below, can you please elaborate on what you mean by hardware? Our project includes the installation of a new transmission line, so there is hardware in that sense. But I want to confirm that that is not what you are referring to.\n\nIf the project will be deploying hardware, describe the role and impact of hardware deployment as part of the proposed project scope and identify any elements of this deployment that represent a significant innovation for the industry and/or project. Enter “N/A” if no hardware will be deployed. 2,000 character limit.\n","Hardware deployment in the FOA can be understood to be the deployment of any physical assets, including new transmission lines. ","2024-01-09"]
[81,"We are a startup company in the last development phase of our Substation-based FLISR Controller, involving a new patented algorithm which correctly solves the (up to now unsolved) FLISR inherent mathematical complexity problem, giving astonishing results.\n\nNow, we are looking for partnership and funding to finish the product development and get involved into a project.\n\nCould we apply for Topic Area 2, Smart Grid Grants 40107? ","Please reference TQ126 regarding teaming partner lists and information on potentially joining on a project. \n\nDOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.","2024-01-09"]
[82,"I have another question, specifically for Topic Area 3. The FOA notes the following:\n\n•\tAnticipated award size: $250 million\n•\tException: Projects that deploy significant transmission investments: $1 billion\n\nWhat is considered a \"significant transmission investment\" that would qualify this exception?","Per FOA guidance, \"Innovative project approaches on the transmission system, including those leveraging advanced transmission technologies and those that can reduce or remove the existing technical, economic, and/or regulatory barrier(s) necessary to accelerate wide scale transmission expansion and renewable energy interconnection. Proposed solutions should demonstrate enhanced transmission system operational flexibility or capacity while enhancing reliability. Projects that meet these objectives are eligible for a higher maximum federal award.\"\n\nPlease reference Section I.B.iii for guidance on Topic Area 3 objectives, technical approaches of interest and priority investments. ","2024-01-09"]
[83,"The application numbering has SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance as subsection ii, and it also has Technical Volume as subsection ii. Will the numbering be kept the same or changed, and if changed how/when?\n\nWhat constitutes a Location of Work? Just general offices or field offices where people do work? If a substation is being upgraded do you want the address of the substation? If line sensors are being placed at various locations along many miles of networked lines does that need to be captured in Location(s) of Work, and if so, how?\n","Please reference the most recent documents related to this FOA, hosted on exchange: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/\n\nFor Location(s) of Work, the applicant must complete the supplied template, which is available on Exchange, by listing the city, state, and zip code + 4 for each location where project work will be performed by the prime recipient or subrecipient(s). \n\n","2024-01-09"]
[84,"In the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program Overview published on November 20th of this year, slide 11 detailed various information about the three topic areas and the various awards associated with each. Specifically for Topic Area 2: Smart Grid Grants 40107 the anticipated minimum award size was listed as $10 million.  Is this value referring to the grant size that will be given by the Department of Energy or to the total project cost for an individual project? Also, how firm is this number for applications to the GRIP program in 2024? It appears that 2023 recipients received as little as $1.1 million in grants matched with an equal cost share by the applicant.","The anticipated minimum and maximum award sizes detailed in Section II.A of the FOA refer to the Federal Share of the proposed projects, not the the total project budget. \n\nFor this FOA, the anticipated minimum award size for Topic Area 2 is $10 Million. Information from past funding cycles should not be used as a reference. \n\nPlease reference Section II of the FOA for further details on Award Information. ","2024-01-09"]
[85,"We are a small technology provider that has created a passive cooling technology in the form of a film. Our pilots have shown efficacy of our product on electrical grid equipment to decrease internal temperatures in order to achieve longer lifespans, higher efficiencies, etc. \n\nWe were hoping to see if our product would fit neatly into any of the areas within this grant. Any help in this regard would be greatly appreciated.\n","Please reference TQ126 regarding teaming partner lists and information on potentially joining on a project. \n\nDOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.","2024-01-09"]
[86,"In the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program Overview published on November 20th of this year, slide 11 detailed various information about the three topic areas and the various awards associated with each. Specifically for Topic Area 2: Smart Grid Grants 40107 the anticipated minimum award size was listed as $10 million.\n\nIs this value referring to the grant size that will be given by the Department of Energy or to the total project cost for an individual project? Also, how firm is this number for applications to the GRIP program in 2024? It appears that 2023 recipients received as little as $1.1 million in grants matched with an equal cost share by the applicant.\n\n","The anticipated minimum and maximum award sizes detailed in Section II.A of the FOA refer to the Federal Share of the proposed projects, not the the total project budget. \n\nFor this FOA, the anticipated minimum award size for Topic Area 2 is $10 Million. Information from past funding cycles should not be used as a reference. \n\nPlease reference Section II of the FOA for further details on Award Information. ","2024-01-09"]
[87,"In response to Question Number 40, DOE referenced “FOA 2740 factsheets for some examples of applicable projects using related technologies.”  Can DOE provide a link to these factsheets?","Please see link. https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program","2024-01-09"]
[88,"Will there be future GRIP funding opportunities?\n\nWe would be very interested in participating in a future GRIP funding opportunity. Unfortunately the short response time with the holidays did not provide sufficient time to connect with other parties sufficiently to respond in time for this round.\n\nIf a future GRIP FOA is likely can you please provide an estimated timeframe of when it might be issued i.e. Q3 2024.  \n","While GRIP anticipates announcing more funding in the future, we strongly encourage all potential applicants to review the concept paper form and consider submitting for funding during this open funding opportunity announcement. Concept paper encourage/discourge disposition does not impact eligibility to submit a full proposal. We do not currently have a timeframe for issuance of any subsequent funding. If you are unable to submit for this FOA, the DOE currently has funding opportunities open and upcoming so be sure to stay updated on all opportunities.","2024-01-09"]
[89,"Please confirm that proponents who had Concept Papers encouraged during the last year’s grant application process but did not proceed to full applications last year, are eligible to submit full applications in the cycle without having to re-submit concept papers. This was clearly communicated at several junctures by DOE representatives at a webinar that took place after the concept paper review results have been communicated last year. However, the FOA is silent on this issue, and a confirmation would be greatly appreciated.  \n\n","Proponents who submitted Concept Papers in the FY22/23 funding cycle must submit the new Concept Paper form for this FOA regardless of the disposition of any previous Concept Papers. Only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper to the currently open FOA (DE-FOA-0003195) will be eligible to submit a full application. \n\nPlease reference Sections III &IV of the FOA for Eligibility Information and Application and Submission Information. ","2024-01-09"]
[90,"We are preparing a Concept Paper for the GRIP program to be submitted on schedule in January.  We have a question about the required format:\n\nThe supplied pdf format does not appear to allow incorporation of any graphics—just text.  We believe a couple of one-sheet graphs would be helpful in describing our proposed project.  Describing a 700 mile, 4,000 MW interregional HVDC transmission line across five states and various Native American tribal reservations while enable 3,000 MW of new renewables is hard to do with words when a picture would help.\n\nIs there a way to submit graphics with the Concept Paper?  Please advise.\n","See Question/Answer 4. ","2024-01-09"]
[91,"Would the GRIP cover burying power lines that go through a National Forest?\n\n","Reference Section I.B for guidance on eligible projects and projects specifically not of interest. ","2024-01-09"]
[92,"Once the Form is finalized, it cuts off half of the response to each question. Is there a way to expand the boxes to make the full response visible?\n\nOr should we make our own PDF document?","The form has character limits in each field.  Please ensure you are not over the character limits.  Otherwise, for content that does not exceed the character limit, you should be able to “arrow down” to view your content.","2024-01-10"]
[93,"I have a specific question in regard to slide 19 of the November 20th webinar where it states, “line completes a radial loop or solves an N-1 contingency issue”. My question is, is there somewhere to go to view what would qualify as an N-1 contingency issue? Is it referencing N-1 contingency as in a common industry term or is there something spelt out somewhere that would need to be followed in order to make it applicable from the funding standpoint?","In the context of Topic Area 1 requirements for new transmission lines at or above 69 kV in this FOA, N-1 contingency refers to the ability of the power to withstand the failure of any single component (N-1) without causing a wider system failure or significant performance degradation.\n\nProjects that solve an N-1 contingency issue could involve proposing projects or solutions that enhances system resilience and reliability by mitigating the risks and outcomes associated with component failures.","2024-01-10"]
[94,"RESERVED","RESERVED","RESERVED"]
[95,"We are working with several utilities who serve primarily low-income communities. These utilities have very limited funding and therefore have had very limited opportunities to make investments in resiliency. Are you willing to accept applications for Topic 1 if the Utility demonstrates having a very limited budget for resiliency?","For all Topic Area 1 applications, the funding award request must not exceed the total of the applicant’s last three years on efforts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events. DOE will interpret “efforts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events” as those activities, technologies, equipment, and hardening measures that are eligible for grants under this provision. ","2024-01-10"]
[96,"We are working with several entities who sell just over 4,000,000,000 MWh of electricity per year. Would you accept applications requesting below $50M in funding when entities are nearly under the threshold for being considered a “Small Utility”?","The minimum anticipated award size for Topic Area 1 applicants that do not apply as Small Utilties is $50M. ","2024-01-10"]
[97,"Concept papers are due by 1/12/2024 (next week).  The FOA doesn’t close until April 17, but is it possible for us to apply if we miss the concept paper deadline?","No, per the FOA you have to submit a concept paper by the due date/time in order to be eligible to submit a full application.  Reference page 3 of the FOA.","2024-01-10"]
[98,"Where do I upload the concept papers? Do I just email them to you?      ","Per the Funding Opportunity Announcement, to apply, applicants must develop the concept paper using the Concept Paper Form (which is available on Exchange) and submit on Exchange at https://infrastructureexchange.energy.gov/.","2024-01-10"]
[99,"I do not see any organizations listed on the Teaming Partner List for DOE GRIP. Could you please advise if the list has no entities on it? Or is this a technical issue? ","Several entities have expressed an interest in Teaming and are listed on the Teaming Partner List on Exchange.  Recommend you try to access the list again and if you still cannot see the list, contact the Exchange helpdesk (InfrastructureExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov).","2024-01-10"]
[100,"If a concept paper is not submitted for FOA 3195, can an applicant still apply for the Grant?  ","No. Consistent with Section VI.A of the FOA document, only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit a Full Application.  ","2024-01-10"]
[101,"Under the eligible entities for GRIP Topic 1, it says it has to be approved by the Secretary. I'm aware there is a form for this? Can you please advise on how to access this form to proceed? We have a statewide trade association entity that would like to be the prime if possible. ","Reference Question 67. ","2024-01-10"]
[102,"I recently reviewed the \"November 20 Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program Second Round Funding Webinar”. \n\nDuring that webinar some statements were made concerning your encouragement of \"vendor driven applications”. \n\nAre funds being allocated to vendors or only to utilities?\n\nOur company manufacturer’s a product called ClampStar which is installed on existing transmission line connectors to increase current flows.\n\nClampStar is also used as a grid hardening tool to eliminate wildfire ignitions caused by connector failures on overhead power lines.\n\nWhat’s the best way for us to participate in the GRIP program so that more utilities can use ClampStar to improve our nation’s electric grid?","Reference Question 26: The funding opportunity announcement (FOA) was modified to provide clarifications.  Funds are awarded to project proponents based on the merits of proposals as determined by the technical review criteria in Section V.A of the FOA. There are no specific set asides for applicants beyond the provision for small utilities in Topic Area one (see Section I.B.i). Please reference modification 000002 issued 12/21/2023.  After review of modification 000002, if  applicants need additional clarification, please re-submit your question for a response.","2024-01-10"]
[103,"The FOA specifically states projects that include “a new large-scale battery-storage facility that is not used for enhancing system adaptive capacity during disruptive events” are discouraged from applying. We are considering a large battery array that we believe would relive significant grid congestion and may allow for greater response to weather related issues. Can you please further clarifying what is meant by disruptive events and whether such a battery might fit within the constraints of the FOA?\n\nAdditionally, we are also considering an innovative form of pumped storage that would result in a facility reconfiguration to benefit its overall flexibility .  It’d be great to get clarification on whether that might fall into Topic Area 1.","1. Disruptive events refer to any unforeseen occurrences that significantly interrupt or degrade the normal operations and services of the power grid. These events include natural disasters- storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods; man-made incidents such as vandalism, cyberattacks, or equipment failure; and systemic issues like power surges, blackouts, or technical malfunctions. These disruptions can lead to partial or complete loss of electrical power, impacting residential, commercial, and industrial customers. \n\n2. Please reference Section I.B.i of the FOA document which discusses Topic Area 1 objectives, technical approaches of interest and priority investments. ","2024-01-10"]
[104,"RESERVED","RESERVED","RESERVED"]
[105,"The FOA is unclear regarding how Concept Papers are to be submitted.  \n\nIf we follow the FOA instructions and go to the website at: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/, we only observe the Concept Paper pdf format.  There are no instructions for submitting a Concept Paper.  \n\nExcept the pdf format ends with a button that says “Finalize Form”.  Is pushing this button the submittal process?  \n\nOr is there a link or e-mail address by which the completed pdf form should be submitted?  There does not appear to be such a submittal button on https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/.\n\nPlease clarify.  \n","You will need to fill out the Concept Paper Form. Once you have completed the form you will need to save it using the \"Finalize Form\" Button in the document. This will save a version of the document that you will need to upload to https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/. This does NOT upload the form to exchange. You will need to upload to https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/ once you have saved the form using the \"Finalzie Form\" Button. \n\nFor more guidance on Concept Paper Form submissions, watch the webinar posted on Dec 14th, 2023. \nhttps://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-concept-paper-guidance-0\n\nBegin by going through the https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/ website.\n\nLog in, you'll be taken to a page that's going to have some of your information. And you're just going to click on \"Funding Opportunity\", which is going to open up all of the great funding opportunities that we have here at the DOE. And for this specific one, we're going to be talking about FOA-0003195. There's a couple of documents that are attached to this FOA: the actual FOA, the concept paper form, and some questions and answers that have been returned from any questions that we've received. Download all of the different documents that you'll need, you're going to click \"Apply\".\n\nThen you're going to click \"Create Concept Paper\".\n\nSave your control number and click \"Continue With Concept Paper Submission\". Fill in all of the tabs and sections shown on this page. To make note, you're going to go to the \"Upload and Submit\" tab to upload and submit your completed concept paper form. You're going to have to do fill out a none-business sensative form, another one with business sensitive information, so make sure that that's marked as such. And then for small utilities, you'll also have an additional form that you'll have to fill out and submit to showcase that you are eligible as a small utility under Topic Area One.\n\nSo once you've completed all those files, you're going to upload them, approve everything, and then click \"Submit\" at the bottom of the page.","2024-01-10"]
[106,"I am reaching out on behalf of a consortium of rural energy cooperatives in Arizona that will be submitting a Concept Paper for this opportunity. I have a few questions regarding the concept paper:\n\n1. We are applying for Topic Area 2 of the program. Are there any exhibits we will need to attach in addition to the Concept Paper and Cover Letter? I note that there are addendums that are requested, but it seems as though the Concept Paper addresses some of those items (such as team qualifications and experience). Are we supposed to add a separate Addendum attachment?\n\n2. I see there is a Concept Paper Form (standalone attachment, attached), as well as a Concept Paper Guidance attachment. The Concept Paper Guidance Attachment seems much more lengthy, almost as if it is supposed to be written in a single word document as a narrative and then emailed. However, it says the Concept Paper Form is to be uploaded to DoE Exchange. I am a bit confused as to what the exact procedure is for submitting a concept paper, and if you need both a narrative format emailed, or a Concept Paper Form completed and uploaded into DoE Exchange, or both. Please advise.\n\n","1. No other material will be accepted with the Concept Paper Form.\n2.  To Fill Out and Save the Concept Paper Form Correctly:\nFill out the Concept Paper Form. Once completed, save the form using the \"Finalize Form\" Button in the document. This will save a \"Read Only\" version of the document that will need to uploaded to https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/. The \"Finalize Form\" button does NOT upload the form to exchange. All submissions must be uploaded to https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/ once they have saved using the \"Finalize Form\" Button. \n\nFor more guidance on Concept Paper Form submissions, watch the webinar posted on Dec 14th, 2023. \nhttps://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-concept-paper-guidance-0\n\nFor Concept Paper Form Submission:\nOpen https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/ .\n\nLog in.\nSelect \"Funding Opportunity\". Scroll down to FOA-0003195. There's a couple of documents that are attached to this FOA: the FOA, the concept paper form, and answered Q&As. Download all required documents. Cclick \"Apply\".\n\nOn the next page, click \"Create Concept Paper\".\n\nSave the provided control number and click \"Continue With Concept Paper Submission\". Fill in all of the tabs and sections shown on this page. \nTo make the submission click on the \"Upload and Submit\" tab to upload and submit a completed concept paper form. \nIf required, submit a Concept Paper Form for none-business sensitive, a Concpet Paper Form with business sensitive information and name it as such. If applying as a small utility under Topic Area 1, submit EIA form 861.\n\nUpload all required completed files, approve everything, and click \"Submit\" at the bottom of the page to officially submit.","2024-01-11"]
[107,"I have four questions to ask.\n\nDOE has indicated that they are encouraging vendor-driven or consortia applications for the GRIP program.\nQ1. In order to get credit for partnering with a vendor, does a utility have to have a contract signed with a specific vendor before submitting the concept paper application? \nQ2. In order to get credit for partnering with a vendor, does a utility have to have a contract signed with a specific vendor before submitting the full application?\nQ3. Can a utility get credit for partnering with a vendor if they have not formally procured a vendor at the time of grant application, but will plan to go through a formal procurement process for selecting vendor(s) in accordance with all state and federal requirements once the utility receives the GRIP grant?\nQ4. Can a utility get credit for partnering with a vendor by getting letters from multiple prospective vendors indicating that they will be willing to partner with the utility in executing the project (the understanding that municipal utility would have with the vendors is that the utility's final selection and contracting with vendor(s) would have to be in compliance with state and federal rules)?\n\n","This FOA does not require applicants to partner with technology providers or vendors. \n\nDOE intends these partnerships to be unique to each project to allow for necessary collaboration and support between project partners. As such, DOE does not have requirements for the specific nature of the partnership between applicants and their technology provider or vendor partners. \n\nPlease also reference Question 26. ","2024-01-10"]
[108,"I would like to raise the question of cost share, which at 50 percent of project costs for Topic Areas 2 and 3 is a serious barrier for many otherwise eligible entities and especially smaller cities with weaker local revenue bases and little support from state governments. \n\nAs I understand it, for Topic Area 3 (the biggest GRIP bucket) the 50 percent cost share standard is inherited from the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and unamended by the IRA. However, as originally codified the 50 percent cost share standard gives latitude to the Secretary to make adjustments. The considerations for selective adjustment of cost share are vaguely defined in the statute as related to \"technological risk.\" Since this term has no legal meaning and is not defined by statute, it is arguable that considerations of financial need are not precluded from the Secretary's discretion on cost share. \n\nFor reference I would add that related FEMA programs such as BRIC have implemented need-based cost-share adjustments precisely to address the problem of chronic exclusion of disadvantaged communities from disaster mitigation funding. \n\nSo, my question is threefold: \n\n1. Has there been any consideration within DOE of cost share as a barrier to entry and something of a poison pill with respect to Justice40 goals of the GRIP program? If so, how is this problem being addressed, and, specifically, why is there no need-based flexibility in the cost-share standard when this can be interpreted to be consistent with the law especially in light of Justice40 goals? \n\n2. Did you learn anything about this issue in the first grant cycle? For example, how many successful applications came directly from smaller and poorer cities working with local CBOs? \n\n3. How do you respond to frontline stakeholder concerns about exclusion of otherwise eligible entities and compelling local projects which are unable to come up with 50 percent of project costs from non-federal sources? What commitment do you have and what support are you giving to ensure that GRIP funding is directed to places where it is most needed and not monopolized by utilities, states, and affluent cities? \n\n","1. ) This FOA supports DOE's commitment to the Justice40 Initiative and makes clear that applicants will be expected to demonstrate how their proposed project will support the goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. Applicants are expected to be able to demonstrate this support while abiding by the cost share requirements described in the FOA. \n\n2.) GRIP hosted a webinar discussing its first funding round selections, (which included discussion of projects with high impact to disadvantaged communities): https://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/october-24-look-grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-program-selections-webinar\nYou can also review a full list of the 58 projects selected for awards here: https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-projects \n\n3.) 40101c includes a set aside for small utilities that will require a lower cost share. Additonally, all projects within GRIP are encouraged to apply as a consortium to empower all types of utilities to work together for projects they would otherwise be unable to deploy on their own. \n\n","2024-01-10"]
[109,"I submitted a concept paper. I was wondering if I did the form correctly, I believe I am supposed to select the Smart Grid option?","As this is a competitive announcement, DOE does not access files until after the submission window has closed.  Applicants can make revisions, if needed, up through the due date/time.","2024-01-10"]
[110,"Can you confirm that only one document is required for the concept paper submission?\n\nWe just wanted to confirm.  The exchange only includes one template for the concept paper.","When submitting a concept paper, Applicants must first complete fields on the Concept Paper page on the Exhange Portal.  This step will generate the Exchange control number but it does NOT constitute a Concept Paper Submission at this point in the process.   After the Exchange control number is generated, Applicants must \"continue\" with the submission and finish filling out the remaining concept paper fields and upload the required form(s) (under \"Upload and Submit\").    Required forms include the Concept Paper (using the provided Concept Paper template) and Applicants who are small utilities applying to Topic Area 1 must also submit the EIA Form 861 for the last reporting year showing the total retail electricity sales to ultimate customers to ensure status as a small utility.   Reference Content and Form of the Concept Paper in Section IV of the FOA.  Additionally, at the applicant’s discretion (e.g., optional), a business sensitive version of the concept paper may also be uploaded.   When ready, Applicants will hit the \"Submit\" button to transmit your concept paper.","2024-01-10"]
[111,"Two quick questions.\n\n1.\tI was asked a question about multiple applications for the same type of project in different areas. For example, if we are a subrecipient for a grant that includes strategic undergrounding can we also be awarded a grant for strategic undergrounding as an individual if the work is not in the same location?\n\n2.\tAlso, If we are a subrecipient for a separate planning grant from DOE are we eligible to apply for a GRIP grant that overlaps with those plans?","1.         Yes, assuming the “individual” is one of the eligible domestic entities listed as Eligible Applicants in Section III of the FOA and that each application describes a unique, distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each Full Application.\n2.           Projects must be unique and distinct.  Reference Limitation on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review in Section III of the FOA.","2024-01-11"]
[112,"1.\t Can you tell me, if eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to only those entities that participated in round 1?  \n2.\tI've read the FOA and followed the Webinar.  Is there anything else I should be doing to prepare to submit a concept paper?\n3.\tAlso, when is it possible to enter capabilities, etc., within the teaming Partner List reached at this link?\n4.\tFinally, are there other programs, institutions or the like that would want to partner with a company that provides a patent-pending way and minimum viable product to shift electricity loads by instructing EV drivers to synchronize their charges to wind surpluses, via an app that indicates the weather/infrastructure conditions on a nightly basis?","1. Eligibility for FOA DE-FOA-0003195 is listed in Section III (e.g., seperate from round 1).\n2. Review of the FOA and Webinar materials are key steps and Applicants should ensure they follow the guidance which includes getting registered in the respective systems.\n3. Applicants can request to be included on the Teaming Partner list at any time.   Instructions are providing in the Teaming Partner List section of the FOA in Section I.\n4. Entities interested in teaming should access the Teaming Partner list available on Exchange.","2024-01-10"]
[113,"The paragraph below is in section xvi Current and Pending Support. The link to the pdf returns “Page Not Found” and although the link to “sciencv” works the Current and Pending Support form could not be found. Please fix the link to the form or otherwise make the form readily available. Thank you.\n\nThe information may be provided in the format approved by the National Science Foundation (NSF), which may be generated by the Science Experts Network Curriculum Vita (SciENcv), a cooperative venture maintained at  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sciencv/ and is also available at: https://www.nsf.gov/bfa/dias/policy/nsfapprovedformats/cps.pdf. The use of a format required by another agency is intended to reduce the administrative burden to researchers by promoting the use of common formats. If the NSF format is used, the individual must still include a signature, date, and a certification statement using the language included in the paragraph above.","Applicants may use the format provided in the FOA.  However, if applicants prefer to use the NSF format, you can generate it by the Science Experts Network Curriculum Vita (SciENcv), a cooperative venture maintained at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sciencv/.   It is noted that the 2nd NSF link is not working and a replacement is not available at this time but again, applicants can use one of the other 2 ways identified in the FOA.","2024-01-10"]
[114,"We note in the FOA that Topic Area 3 is open to Tribes as lead applicants. Is it possible that the three Tribes we are working with can apply as a coalition, and that each could be an equal co-applicant (eventually with their own agreements with DOE if awarded)?  It looks like it is possible for a group of States to apply under Topic 3 and we are asking if the same framework, recognizing equal status among sovereign partners, is also being extended as a possibility for Tribes. It is not clear from the FOA language one way or another. ","Only the domestic entities listed as eligible applicants can be the prime applicant.  Reference Section III of the FOA.  This does not preclude teaming (which the Department encourages); however, the project team must designate one team member to serve as the prime recipient and that team member must qualify as an eligible entity. If the project team will operate as an incorporated or unincorporated consortium, DOE may request the applicant to provide additional information, such as any collaboration agreement, that describes management structure and the rights and responsibilities of each consortium member.  See also Teaming Arrangements in Section III.","2024-01-10"]
[115,"1.\tIf we are encouraged to do a full submission, are we expected to keep the same funding request amount, or can it be revised? \n2.\tWill DOE be providing any feedback on request amounts in the concept papers, i.e., lower your request amount? \n3.\tIn the full submission evaluation, if the application scores high enough but DOE doesn’t have funding for all the most competitive applications, does DOE have the ability to announce an award amount lower than the request amount? Would that lower amount be part of the negotiations after announcement? Or, would DOE make a selection based solely on request amounts and the funding available?","1.\tIt can be revised.\n2.\tNo.  Applicants will be “encouraged” to “discouraged” to submit a full application.  Reference Concept Paper Notifications in Section VI.\n3.\tDOE does not decide award amounts based solely on the amount requested and has the ability to award an amount below the requested amount. In the event, any of these scenarios would occur, the Applicant would be notified accordingly.","2024-01-10"]
[116,"This is a very important question for us as we are preparing a concept paper and want to ensure that the Tribes are eligible applicants. Any input that can be provided would be very helpful. \n\nA follow-up question is whether it would be possible for a subset of the applicants on a concept paper to submit a full proposal. For example, if the applicant team listed on the concept paper includes Tribes X, Y, and Z ... is it possible for Tribe X to submit a full application on their own? Or would there need to be separate and standalone concept papers for Tribes X, Y, and Z in order to preserve that possibility?\n","Reference Question 23","2024-01-10"]
[117,"My company is applying on behalf of several different entities. Do we need to create an eXCHANGE account for every entity or can we submit all within one account with designations to separate clients? ","Each applying entity must have its own eXCHANGE account. This is necessary for the proper submission of both the Concept Paper Form and Full Application, and for ensuring effective and organized communication with the DOE at several crucial steps of the application process. ","2024-01-10"]
[118,"First, page 45 states that “Each Full Application must be limited to a single concept or technology. Do not consolidate unrelated concepts and technologies in a single Full Application. Full Applications must conform to the following content and form requirements and must not exceed the stated page limits. If applicants exceed the maximum page lengths indicated below, DOE will review only the authorized number of pages and disregard any additional pages.”  Can you explain what this means?  If we identify taps with unusually high outage frequency and durations that would benefit from advanced reconductoring, does this mean could not also perform digitization and automation inside the substation because they’re two different technologies?  If our goal is to reduce outages and energy burdens in disadvantaged communities, are you saying we have pick but only one technology to do so?","An entity may submit more than one Concept Paper and Full Application to this FOA, provided that each application describes a unique, distinct project and provided that an eligible Concept Paper was submitted for each Full Application.  Reference Section III, Limitation of on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review.  However, each Concept Paper must be limited to a single Topic Area. Do not consolidate multiple Topic Areas into a single Concept Paper.  Reference Section IV, Content and Form of the Concept Paper. Unrelated refers to project scope/technologies that do not have a connected use. Please review FOA Section I.B for each topic area and FOA 2175 factsheets for some examples of applicable projects using related technolgies.","2024-01-10"]
[119,"RESERVED","RESERVED","RESERVED"]
[120,"For our GRIP Topic 1 project we are still in the middle of bidding the work, and do not believe we will have final quotes from the winning bidder available for public release at the time the application is due. As a public authority, we are not able to disclose bid amounts until after the bid is awarded.\n\nUnder the requirements listed on the Budget Justification Worksheet on tab ‘f. Contractual’, the directions indicate that:\n \n“3. Vendors (including contractors): List all vendors and contractors supplying commercial supplies or services used to support the project. For each Vendor cost with total project costs of $250,000 or more, a Vendor quote must be provided. A vendor is a legal entity contracted to provide goods and services within normal business operations, provides similar goods or services to many different purchasers, operates in a competitive environment, provides goods or services that are ancillary to the operation of the Federal program, and is not subject to compliance requirements of the Federal program. All characteristics may not be present and judgment must be used to determine subrecipient vs. vendor status.” [emphasis added]\n \nDoes this requirement prevent or preclude a complete application? The award of the contracts is expected by no later than the end of June 2024, and the release of bid information will be possible after the award date.","No, it would not prevent or preclude an entity from applying (if they had submitted the required concept paper).  On the Budget Justification form, the entity would indicate the effort would be competed and, if selected for award, a quote would be provided.","2024-01-10"]
[121,"Are applicants under Topic Area 3 able to use any portion of their award for potential administrative expenses? Typically, past FOAs allow a percentage of any award to be used for admin expenses. With awards of this size, additional staff will be required to administer any award.","Yes.  Entities should include estimated costs in their project budget.","2024-01-10"]
[122,"Will there be future GRIP funding opportunities?\n\nWe would be very interested in participating in a future GRIP funding opportunity. Unfortunately the short response time with the holidays did not provide sufficient time to connect with other parties sufficiently to respond in time for this round.\n\nIf a future GRIP FOA is likely can you please provide an estimated timeframe of when it might be issued i.e. Q3 2024.  ","Reference Question 37","2024-01-10"]
[123,"RESERVED","RESERVED","RESERVED"]
[124,"I would like clarification on whether the prime applicant can switch after the concept paper has been submitted. For example, if Company X is listed in the concept paper as the prime and company Y is listed as a partner, can Company Y become the prime to submit the full application and company X become a project partner (assuming the project itself stays the same)- or is Company X automatically locked in as the prime for the full application? \n","1. Eligibility for FOA DE-FOA-0003195 is listed in Section III (e.g., seperate from round 1) and is seperate from the previous FOA.\n2. Review of the FOA and Webinar materials are key steps and Applicants should ensure they follow the guidance which includes getting registered in the respective systems.\n3. Applicants can request to be included on the Teaming Partner list at any time.   Instructions are providing in the Teaming Partner List section of the FOA in Section I.\n4. Entities interested in teaming should access the Teaming Partner list available on Exchange.","2024-01-10"]
[125,"Are Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) such as BPA and TVA eligible to apply for GRIP funding?","Consistent with Section III.A.iv.d of the FOA Document, Federal agencies, instrumentalities, and corporations (other than DOE) are eligible to participate as a subrecipient if the agency, instrumentality, or corporation satisfies the applicable eligibility statutory requirements, but are not eligible to apply as a prime recipient; except for the Tennessee Valley Authority, who is eligible to participate as a prime recipient and as a subrecipient under Topic Area 1.","2024-01-10"]
[126,"RESERVED","RESERVED","RESERVED"]
[127,"When is the projected date of notification for award for round 2, under Topic area 1? ","Please reference the “SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF KEY INFORMATION: Grid Innovation and Partnerships (GRIP) Program” located on the Funding Opportunity Annoucment cover page. ","2024-01-10"]
[128,"I have a few questions on requirements not identified in the solicitation regarding the GRIP Concept Paper submission:\n1.\tCan I assume the concept paper naming convention should be named “ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_ConceptPaper.pdf\"? Please confirm.\n2.\tThe solicitation doesn't require it, but are we able to reformat the provided Concept Paper Form without it being seen as non-compliant with the form requirements?\no\tAdding page numbers, applicant/project title/solicitation name in the footer, control number in the header, bookmarks\n3.\tThe solicitation doesn't mention it, but is there a required or specific TRL improvement for the project?\n4.\tWhat happens when the concept form's 'Finalize Form' button is pressed? Does it lock editing?","1.\tThe FOA did not require a specific naming convention for the Concept Paper; however, the format you indicated (ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_ConceptPaper.pdf ) would be acceptable and preferred.\n2.\tNo, do not reformat the Concept Paper template.\n3.\tNo\n4.\tReference Question 31","2024-01-10"]
[129,"Again, I downloaded the Concept Paper format from https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/, filled it out, and hit “Finalize Form” at the bottom.  Nothing happened.\n\nI do not understand how we can download the pdf form from the website, and then submit it on the website but not to an e-mail address?  Is the “Finalize Form” supposed to submit the downloaded the form to you?\n\nI cannot find anything on the Q and A that addresses this.  Help!  Thanks.\n","As this is a competitive announcement, DOE does not access files until after the submission window has closed.  Applicants can make revisions, if needed, up through the due date/time.\n\nPlease review the \"My Submissions\" tab in infrastrcuture.exchange.gov to confirm if you submitted the Concept Paper Form.\n\nFor further guidance on Concept Paper Submissions reference Question 111.","2024-01-11"]
[130,"While trying to select multiple states within the Project Location(s) section, I am unable to select more than 1 while using CTRL, or any other key combo.  Is there a suggestion for selecting more than 1 via the form?","There are a variety of reasons why you may be experiencing issues. Without more information on your computer system, we cannot determine why you are experiencing this issue. If you have tried downloading a new form from Exchange and still encounter the same issue, please select the state of the headquarters for the prime applicant for the Concept Paper Form and include the states where work occur in the \"Brief description of the project...\" Section.","2024-01-11"]
[131,"I will be submitting a concept paper and with multiple technologies and varying TRLs. When I get to the TRL tab of the submission screen, I can only enter the current TRL and the TRL the technology will reach at the end of the project. Because I have more than one technology, my TRLs are not the same across the entire project. How should I enter this if some technologies are already a 9 and others are at a 3?","For Concept Paper submission, please describe the TRL of the primary technology being deployed in the proposed project. DOE understands this may not capture all details of your proposed project. \n\nFor Full Application submission, applicants will be required to describe each individual technology (including each technology's respective TRL) within the scope of their proposed projects. ","2024-01-11"]
[132,"We have completed the content of our GRIP Concept Paper, but are struggling to try to submit it.\n\nWhen we hit the “Finalize Form” button at the bottom of the Concept Paper, nothing happens.  And then, when we try to upload the file on the Exchange, it only comes out as a static pdf.  It does not include all the text in the text boxes.  And the states scroll does not scroll.\n\nWhat are we doing wrong?  Surely, there must be a lot of folks struggling with this.\n\nThe Exchange folks told us to hit the “Create Concept Paper” button on the details page.  But there is no such button.\n\nPlease help. Thanks!\n","We will have access to all data in the text boxes when you submit it as a read only file. The \"Create Concept Paper\" button on exchange is for creating a new concept paper submission.\n\nFor more guidance on Concept Paper Form submissions, watch the webinar posted on Dec 14th, 2023. \nhttps://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-concept-paper-guidance-0","2024-01-11"]
[133,"I am completing the population and uploading of data and documents to the Infrastructure Exchange portal to complete the Concept Paper in response to FOA-DE-0003195. In completing the Concept Paper PDF form and clicking the button to “lock” the document I find that not all text entered in the text boxes is displayed. I am writing for you to confirm that this is expected and that the USDOE GDO GRIP reviewer will be able to unlock the form and few all content that was input.","We can view all text after it has been locked as read only. This is inclusive of text that is not in the viewable area.  \n\nFor more guidance on Concept Paper Form submissions, watch the webinar posted on Dec 14th, 2023. \nhttps://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-concept-paper-guidance-0","2024-01-11"]
[134,"Hi - the wrong file format is given for uploading EIA 861. It's a pdf, and the FOA directs us to create a pdf to submit it, but in the Concept Paper upload screen you allow only xls and xlsx. I've used the Additional Files button to attach the form for our client, but as your Q&A warns against using that button for submitting the Concept Paper, we're between a rock and a hard place. We will be submitting today in anticipation of storm-related power outages on Friday. We'd appreciate it if you'd fix the upload screen, but also please recognize that some applicants may have attached using Additional Files.","Exchange has been updated to accept PDF EIA 861 forms.","2024-01-11"]
[135,"We were finally able to upload our Concept Paper.  But now the uploaded pdf does not scroll in the text boxes.  And the state locations do not scroll either, to show all five of our states.\n\nTo compensate and to meet the Jan 12 filing deadline, in addition to the required format we have uploaded an additional pdf file with the complete text and states for our filing.  We submitted that along with the required format and have received a confirmation it was submitted.\n\nThanks for your help.  There appears to be a pdf formatting problem between the required GRIP format and our systems.  Something we cannot diagnose and fix by exchanging e-mails.","The Concept Paper Form records the text that was entered beyond the .pdf preview you're describing viewing in eXCHANGE (that does not have scrollable windows). ","2024-01-11"]
[136,"I am confused how to upload the form for the concept paper to the exchange. The form that is available in a fillable PDF is different from the form that is available to complete online.\n\nCan you please clarify which form to submit and how?","Reference Question 106, #2.","2024-01-11"]
[137,"Can a representative outside the applicant organization apply on behalf of an organization during the concept paper phase?","Yes, but please note each application must have one designated team member to serve as the prime recipient and that team member must qualify as an eligible applicant.","2024-01-11"]
[138,"My Control Number\n3195-1803\n\nIt only allows excel version of the EIA Form 861 to upload.\nI have a pdf.\nIf I try to convert to excel it is not easily read. It will upload but it is not very legible.\nDo you have any suggestions?\n\nI am uploading a pdf of the Conception Paper.\nWhen I look at the submission, only a portion of the answer shows up.\n\nI did hit the “finalize” button.\n\nI am attaching the documents I am referring to in this email.\n\nI did submit our application this morning.\n\nThank you for your help.\n\n","1.) Exchange has been updated to accept PDF forms.\n\n2.) Regarding only seeing a portion of the answer- please reference the answer posted to TQ 211. ","2024-01-11"]
[139,"Are there any other documents required besides the concept paper? I have received a request from one of the partners which has various fields like an Abstract which has 6000 character limit. Is this something that is required? ","Only the Concept Paper form is required (i.e., no other documentation) except for applicants applying to Topic Area 1.  Applicants who are small utilities applying to Topic Area 1 must submit the EIA Form 861 for the last reporting year showing the total retail electricity sales to ultimate customers to ensure status as a small utility.  Reference Section IV, Content and Form of Concept Paper.","2024-01-11"]
[140,"If submitting a business sensitive concept paper are we permitted to add the notations referenced on page 105-106 of the FOA to the concept paper template? We want to ensure the form will accept this notation and will not be considered non-compliant.\n\n","The Concept Paper Form cannot be altered. If it is altered it will be considered non-compliant. Please submit two Concept Paper Forms, with one named as \"Business Sensitive\".","2024-01-11"]
[141,"Are concept papers subject to the Freedom of Information Act, and if so, are proposers able to indicate confidential and proprietary information that would not be subject to FoIA?","You can submit two versions of the Concept Paper Form. A Concept Paper Form and a Concept Paper Form - Business Sensitive version. Please submit these two versions and name them as such. ","2024-01-11"]
[142,"Is the Concept Paper Form – Business Sensitive a required part of the submission?","It is not required. Only the Concept Paper Form is required. If you have concerns with Business Sensitive Information, please submit two versions and name them as such. ","2024-01-11"]
[143,"Once the Form is finalized, it cuts off half of the response to each question. Is there a way to expand the boxes to make the full response visible?\n\nOr should we make our own PDF document?\n","We will have access to all data in the text boxes when you submit it as a read only file. The \"Create Concept Paper\" button on exchange is for creating a new concept paper submission.\n\nFor more guidance on Concept Paper Form submissions, watch the webinar posted on Dec 14th, 2023. \nhttps://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-concept-paper-guidance-0","2024-01-11"]
[144,"I just want to confirm that you received the Concept Paper that I submitted. ","As this is a competitive announcement, DOE does not access files until after the submission window has closed.  Applicants can make revisions, if needed, up through the due date/time.\n\nPlease review the \"My Submissions\" tab in infrastrcuture.exchange.gov to confirm if you submitted the Concept Paper Form. ","2024-01-11"]
[145,"Can be concept paper project location be different from the full application project location? just in case there is going to be a change in the proposal?\n\n\n","For the Concept Paper please provide details to the extent possible.  It is permissible to provide updates to the locations and other application documentation during the Full Application submission.","2024-01-11"]
[146,"Can you clarify why the concept paper form has twice the number of characters allowed on the Community Benefits Plan questions? Are you suggesting that the responses be twice as long as the other questions to pass the evaluation? Will concept papers that provide answers of similar length to the other responses, around 2,000 characters, be reviewed unfavorably? ","The Community Benefits Plan section includes additional character limits due to including only four information requests versus the Project Details and Impacts Section (16,000 total allowed versus 24000 allowable characters and the Project Overview Section). Projects will be reviewed on the provided criteria in the FOA, see section V.A.i. Total character count used is not a criterion for review. Please use as much of the character limit as you need to fully answer the requested information. ","2024-01-11"]
[147,"In reference to the concept paper question below, can you please elaborate on what you mean by hardware? Our project includes the installation of a new transmission line, so there is hardware in that sense. But I want to confirm that that is not what you are referring to.\n\nIf the project will be deploying hardware, describe the role and impact of hardware deployment as part of the proposed project scope and identify any elements of this deployment that represent a significant innovation for the industry and/or project. Enter “N/A” if no hardware will be deployed. 2,000 character limit.\n","Reference Question 80. ","2024-01-11"]
[148,"We will be submitting a concept paper with a scope based on known matching abilities at this point in time. However, we are actively exploring cost-share opportunities with the state government, as well as the public and private sectors. Additionally, next week the state is expected to pass a bill that would allow the state to assist municipalities in matching federal grant dollars. \n\nIf we are invited to apply to the program, if priority the application deadline we receive confirmation of additional matching funds, would the US DOE be open to us expanding the scope of our proposal? Are there any limitations we should be aware of ahead of tomorrow's deadline?","For the Concept Paper please provide details to the extent possible.  It is permissible to provide updates to the cost share and other application documentation during the Full Application submission.","2024-01-11"]
[149,"I am a grant writer for a cooperative that is part of GRIP 1 Consortium application. This cooperative has another project that is also a Topic 1 project, and for undergrounding of their electrical systems, but in a completely different area than the one applied for in GRIP 1. Are they still eligible to submit a concept paper and/or be a part of a regional consortium?  ","Reference Question 23. \n\nDOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.","2024-01-11"]
[150,"If a utility is looking to qualify for set aside funding under Topic Area One, should their EIA form be submitted with the concept paper? Where in the workspace should it be uploaded, or should it be attached to the concept paper pdf document?","You will submit the Concept Paper Form and the EIA form on https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/.\nDo not alter the Concept Paper Form. You will be able to upload each item separately in https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/.","2024-01-11"]
[151,"Regarding the Concept Paper submission, do we need to submit a detailed statement of project objectives (SOPO), a Buy America Waiver, and resumes or do these all apply to the full application submission?","Only the Concept Paper form is required (i.e., no other documentation) except for applicants applying to Topic Area 1.  Applicants who are small utilities applying to Topic Area 1 must submit the EIA Form 861 for the last reporting year showing the total retail electricity sales to ultimate customers to ensure status as a small utility.  Reference Section IV, Content and Form of Concept Paper.","2024-01-11"]
[152,"If a technology OEM is from Canada or outside of the USA, does the US company that is submitting a bid in Topic 2 need to fill in any special documentation at this stage? \n  \n","Reference Question 151.","2024-01-25"]
[153,"We are trying to complete the Concept Form and have encountered an issue.  The Project Location dropdown menu on the first page is not working correctly.  You cannot select multiple states using the “Ctrl” button.  You can using the “Shift” button, but that doesn’t help since our states our not adjacent in the list (i.e., Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota).  ","Reference Question 130.","2024-01-25"]
[154,"In the FOA document, Modification 000001, Section III, Part A(iv)(d), federal agencies, instrumentalities, and corporations (other than DOE) are eligible to participate. Are deltas and units in the DoD eligible based on the identified criteria?","The prime applicant must be one of the eligible domestic entities listed as Eligible Applicants in Section III of the FOA.  DOE will not make eligibility determinations for specific potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.","2024-01-25"]
[155,"We have a question regarding the eligibility criteria for Topic Areas 2 and 3. We were looking at the solicitation, and it's unclear if irrigation districts could lead an application. Could they be classified as a unit of local government?","The prime applicant must be one of the eligible domestic entities listed as Eligible Applicants in Section III of the FOA.  DOE will not make eligibility determinations for specific potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.","2024-01-25"]
[156,"We have a question regarding the minimal eligible award amount. The latest update of the FOA (from Nov, 4, 2023) states that there are no minimum award amounts for either smart grid or resilience grants. However, at the recent program webinar, there was a slide indicating an \"expected\" minimal amount of $10M.\n \nIt would appear that the final decision on minimal amounts has not yet been made, and we would very much appreciate some guidance as to whether and when such decision may be made or how to approach this discrepancy. In the interim, we will continue pursuing a Concept Paper for an amount substantially below the $10M threshold, consistent with some of the smaller award amounts announced recently.","The anticipated minimum and maximum award sizes are detailed in Section II.A of the FOA but no hard limits have been set for this FOA. \nPlease reference Section II of the FOA for further details on Award Information. ","2024-01-25"]
[157,"We have a question about Topic Area 1, regarding the funding amount and investment requirement. \n\nTopic Area 1: Grid Resilience Grants (40101(c))\n\nAccording to the FOA, other than small utilities, the Anticipated Minimum Award Size for Any One Individual Award (Fed Share) is $50 million. Additionally, the note for funding awards will not exceed the total of the applicant’s last three years of resilience investments. To better understand the minimum award amount in relation to the investment spent on resilience, is the applicant required to have at least invested $50M in resilience projects over the past three years?","Regarding award size limits, reference Question 156.\n\nThe funding award request must not exceed the total of the applicant’s last three years on efforts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events. DOE will interpret “efforts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events” as those activities, technologies, equipment, and hardening measures that are eligible for grants under this provision. ","2024-01-25"]
[158,"What defines a small utility? Service area? Number of customers?","Reference Question 6.","2024-01-25"]
[159,"Topic Area 1:\n•\tCan the DOE confirm that HVAC transmission conductors that do not have modern composite and/or carbon core but do expand capacity/ampacity 1.5x relative to the existing equipment is an eligible investment for this FOA?\n\nTopic Area 2\n•\tCan the DOE confirm that grid enhancing technologies (GETs) outside of the 4 specifically listed technologies (advance power flow control, dynamic line rating, congestion management approaches, and networking topology optimization) in the FOA are eligible investments under this FOA?\n•\tCan the DOE confirm that HVAC transmission conductors that do not have modern composite and/or carbon core but do expand capacity/ampacity 1.5x relative to the existing equipment is an eligible investment for this FOA?\n•\tCan the DOE confirm to be eligible for the larger award size of $250M for Topic Area-2 the investment can either only be modern composite and/or carbon core Transmission conductors or HVDC investments that expand capacity/ampacity 1.5x relative to the existing equipment? \n\nWe appreciate the additional information as we review potential projects and opportunities. ","\nTopic Area 1: Per Section I.B.i of the FOA document, \"Advanced reconductoring approaches that expand transmission and distribution capacity along existing infrastructure and rights of way using materials, equipment, and operational approaches that advance beyond current typical industry practices. This includes conductors that increase capacity/ampacity 1.5x relative to the existing equipment and especially  increase capacity or advanced conductors (modern composite and/or carbon cores).\"\n\nTopic Area 2: Please refer to Secition I.B.ii for information relative to objectives, technical approaches of interest and priority investments for Topic Area 2.  \n\nDOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision whether to apply in response to this FOA lies solely with the applicant.","2024-01-25"]
[160,"For the Report on Resiliency Investments, if an application is composed of a prime applicant with sub-recipients, can the sub-recipient’s resiliency investments be included in the total resiliency investment value?","The documented expenditures of the applicant entity would be eligible for inclusion in the Report on Resilience Investments. See Section IV.D.xvii of the FOA document for additional guidance. See also updated Question 161.","2024-04-08"]
[161,"In the FOA, GDO says: DOE may not award a grant to an eligible entity in an amount that is greater than “the total amount that the eligible entity has spent in the previous 3 years on efforts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events” \n\nWe are seeking clarification on how that total should be calculated. If an application is submitted by a partnership of two entities where one those entities is the prime, can the previous qualifying resilience investments be the total investments across the two partners, or can it only be the investments from the prime? Additionally, if a company with multiple utilities / service areas in multiple regions and states is applying, can they include the resilience investments across their full portfolio of utility companies, or must they use a more limited geographic area directly connected to the project scope proposed in the Concept Paper / Full Application? ","The documented expenditures of the prime applicant/eligible entity and its proposed subrecipients that are also eligible entities would be eligible for inclusion in the Report on Resilience Investments. If the prime applicant is a joint action agency (JAA), the investments of its members directly involved in the application are eligible for inclusion in the Report on Resilience Investments. \n\nUPDATE:  If prime applicant is a consortium, the investments of its members directly involved in the application are eligible for inclusion in the Report on Resilience Investments and Project Description and Assurances Document (PDAD). \n\nFOA language on the nature of the resilience investments does not call for limited geographic area or other such restrictions when reporting on past resilience efforts: Applicants must submit a report detailing past, current, and future efforts by the eligible entity and its eligible entity subrecipients to reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events. The report must summarize any programs and related approved funding that your organization and eligible entity subrecipients have implemented over the past 3 years to reduce the likelihood of events in which operations of the electric grid are disrupted, preventively shut off, or cannot operate safely due to extreme weather, wildfire, or a natural disaster.\n\nSee Section IV.D.xvii of the FOA document for additional guidance.","2024-04-01"]
[162,"1.\tCan an applicant use funding to pay future PPA or contract amounts?\n1.\ti.e. Could an applicant sign a capacity contract with a company who owns and operates energy storage facilities, and then use GRIP funding to pay monthly for the contracted capacity over a period of years?\n2.\tOr, alternatively, would an applicant be required to purchase and own the energy storage assets and use GRIP funding for the purchase?\n","Please refer to Section IV.I of the FOA document for guidance on funding restrictions, and section III.B.vii for information on Cost Share Types and Allowability. \n\nDOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.\n\n","2024-01-25"]
[163,"Many applicants require regulatory approval of grid modernization programs to fund their cost share. What is the DOE looking for in strategies to mitigate this risk in the application?","Please refer to the guidance provided in Sections IV.I.x of the FOA document,  \"Risk Assessment\", and V.A \"Technical Review Criteria\".","2024-01-25"]
[164,"We have a utility partner who spans a multistate region and they are interested in submitting as a partner on a DOE GRIP solution. However, they are concerned that a partnership or even letter of support would go against their regulatory requirement to hold competitive solicitations for all services. They are confirming with their attorney but do not believe they'd be able to sole source and would also need approval from their regulators in various states to do this work. How does DOE advise we proceed with our solicitation in light of this hurdle? ","Please continue working with your Legal counsel to determine the appropriate steps you will need to take.","2024-01-25"]
[165,"1.\tCan a sub-recipient own solar & storage installed at a low-income customer's home, earn revenue from those assets, and then utilize a GRIP 2.0 grant to make-up the difference to be able to procure and install the assets for the customer for free? If so, this would enable us to request less than 100% of the cost in grant funding.\n2.\tIf the answer to #1 is yes, could the same sub-recipient also use the federal investment tax credit to further reduce the installed cost of the assets?\n","Reference Questions 43 and 53. ","2024-01-25"]
[166,"The FOA mentions for Area 1 ‘Vegetation Management’ several times, but specifically on Page 10 ‘concurrent vegetation management’ is referenced. \n\nFor Topic Area 1, does any funding request toward vegetation management need to be directly related to another resiliency effort like Undergrounding or Pole Replacements? Or can an applicant ask for funding to trim, for example, 1,000 miles of trees over the 5 year grant term? \n\n","Please reference Section I.B.i of the FOA document which discusses Topic Area 1 objectives, technical approaches of interest and priority investments. ","2024-01-25"]
[167,"In the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program Overview published on November 20th of this year, slide 11 detailed various information about the three topic areas and the various awards associated with each. Specifically for Topic Area 2: Smart Grid Grants 40107 the anticipated minimum award size was listed as $10 million.\n\nIs this value referring to the grant size that will be given by the Department of Energy or to the total project cost for an individual project? Also, how firm is this number for applications to the GRIP program in 2024? It appears that 2023 recipients received as little as $1.1 million in grants matched with an equal cost share by the applicant.","Reference Question 156.  ","2024-01-25"]
[168,"1.\tWhen will DOE publish answers to questions?\n2.\tthe FOA precludes “(1) Investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended” for Topic Area 2.  The FOA does not have a similar preclusion for Topic Area 3.  Can recipients of GRIP Funding under Topic Area 3 also claim the Section 48 ITC?\n","1.\tThe FOA Team is working diligently to address questions as promptly as able.    Responses to Questions are being posted on eXCHANGE (https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/); under the Documents section of the FOA. \n\n2. Consistent with Section I.B.ii for Topic Area 2 investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, are not eligible for Smart Grid grant funding under Topic Area 2, unless tax credits are foregoes. No such prohibition exists for Topic Area 1 or 3.","2024-01-25"]
[169,"FOA 3195 states that DOE seeks projects that include Regional Transmission Organizations in Topic Area 3. If the RTO is not a subrecipient and not providing cost share, but have agreed to participate or partner somehow, is a letter from the RTO(s) appropriate or preferrable to DOE? If yes, should their letter be a “letter of commitment” or “community partnership documentation” part of the application? ","Letters of support or endorsement for the project from entities that do not have a substantive role in the project are not required nor desired.  Reference Letters of Commitment in Section IV.","2024-01-25"]
[170,"Can you please confirm if the deadline for Full Applications for Topic Area 2 Smart Grid Grants (40107) is May 22nd, 2024? This is stated on the November 20th webinar as well as the FOA, but the Infrastructure Exchange indicates a full application submission deadline of 4/17/2024.","May 22nd for Topic Area 2 is correct.\n\nThis FOA has multiple closing dates. \n\nAt the FOA 3195 landing page in EXCHANGE the Full Application Deadline listed only shows the soonest submission deadline (4/17/2024 for Topic Areas 1 and 3).   \n\nThe Full Application due/dates and times are stipulated in the FOA by Topic Area.  See the detailed schedule portion of the SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF KEY INFORMATION: Grid Innovation and Partnerships (GRIP) Program).  The submission deadlines for each Topic Area are as follows:\n\nSubmission Deadline for Full Applications (Topic Area 1): 4/17/2024 5pm ET\nSubmission Deadline for Full Applications (Topic Area 2): 5/22/2024 5pm ET\nSubmission Deadline for Full Applications (Topic Area 3): 4/17/2024 5pm ET\nAfter the application window closes for Topic Areas 1 and 3 (4/17/2024), the FOA Team will “re-open” the FOA to reflect the due date/time for Topic Area 2.","2024-01-25"]
[171,"Can you please confirm that the on the Concept Paper Form, an applicant can select “undecided” for the Applicable GRIP Topic Area? Additionally, that there will be 3 pieces of feedback provided from the DOE regarding the concept paper:\n1.\tEncourage or Discourage\n2.\tRecommended Topic Area\n3.\tBrief strengths and weaknesses feedback","1. Yes, an applicant can select undecided. Please reference Question 21 for more information. \n2.) DOE will notify applicants of its determination to encourage or discourage the \nsubmission of a Full Application. \nIf a Concept Paper has been submitted with Undecided as the selected Topic Area, or DOE determines that the projects would be better suited to a different Topic Area than was applied to, this feedback will be provided to the Applicant with their concept paper notification(s). \nDOE will be providing brief feedback on Concept Paper performance relative to the technical review criteria ","2024-01-25"]
[172,"1.\tWhen a transmission owner & operator (qualifying for Topic Area 1), is also a unit of local government, does that mean it can also qualify for Topic Area 3? I'm asking because the cost match is a burden, so the 50% match in TA 3 versus 100% match in TA 1 is preferred.\n\n2.\tI also want to ask if EPA's Solar for All funding can be applied to the cost match per the guidelines if we are awarded the funds on a separate application; or if this is not allowed as it is federal funding?\n\n3.\tIs there a difference between cost share and cost match in terms of the definition? Both are used in the FOA.\n","DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n\nTopic Area 1 requires Cost Match.  Cost match is different than Cost Share.   \n\nCost \"matching” for the non-federal share is calculated as a percentage of the Federal funds only, rather than the Total Project Cost.  \n\nFor Topic Area 1, 100% cost match of $918M Federal dollars would be $918M in cost match. Please reference Appendix A, Cost Share Information which includes information on acceptable contributions, valuing & documenting contributions, etc.","2024-01-25"]
[173,"FOA 3195 references “advanced conductors” several times without definition, including as a priority area of investment (p. 7) and in defining exception (b) to the project maximum award size for Topic Area 2 (p. 31). We understand the definition of “advanced conductors” to be based on characteristics that are common to all new and advanced conductor technologies, such as the fact that the power flow capacities of all such technologies are greater than the power flow capacities of ACSR conductors, at a given voltage level. This definition would be inclusive of superconductors.\n\nCan DOE please confirm that the definition of “advanced conductors” is (1) intended to be technology agnostic subject to the requirement that the technology is able to meet the requirement of demonstrating “at least a 1.5x improvement in transfer capacity” (p. 12, p. 16), or another analogous common characteristic, and (2) that the definition includes superconductors?","Reference Question 62. ","2024-01-25"]
[174,"In Topic Area 3, is it allowed for a Tribal Entity (a Public Utilities District associated with the Tribal Government) to apply as lead applicant, or does the application need to come only directly from the Tribal Government?","Reference Question 114.","2024-02-02"]
[175,"On Pages 29 and 30 of the FOA I can see that there is an \"Anticipated minimum award size\" in the table. Does it mean that you do not accept projects requesting less than 10 million dollars? We at Iowa State University wanted to submit for a project for 1 million dollars and were wondering if that is an automatic disqualification.","The anticipated minimum and maximum award sizes detailed in Section II.A of the FOA refer to the Federal Share of the proposed projects, not the total project budget. \n\nPlease reference Section II of the FOA for further details on Award Information. ","2024-02-02"]
[176,"We are wondering if there is additional guidance on how GRIP will be awarded in this second round. In the first disbursement it seemed large scale (statewide or multijurisdictional) projects were the primary awardees. Given the smaller allocation parameters set in the new FOA will the department be looking to spread funding out to smaller single agency awards or will the emphasis continue to be on large scale projects. \n\nWe are weighing doing a resubmittal but want to get a sense of the intended focus if possible on a regional request vs large scale. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!","The requirements for the currently open FOA are included in the FOA document hosted on eXCHANGE https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/ ","2024-02-02"]
[177,"Under Topic Area 1 for a small utility, if we have an existing relationship with a contractor who will be qualified to do this work, can they be written into the project, or are we required to go through a competitive procurement process for all intended contractors and/or vendors? ","Applicants are required to comply with the regulations at 2 CFR 200 and the DOE supplement at 2 CFR 910 as well as your organization's policies and procedures.","2024-02-02"]
[178,"For cost-sharing purposes, can there be a value assigned to a lease agreement, as opposed to outright ownership, such as the value of a lease for a community or utility-scale solar installation?","Lease costs are allocable/allowable  as long as they are reasonable.  Reference 2 CFR 200, Part 465 Rental costs of real property and equipment and FAR 31-205-36 Rental Costs (for profit entities).","2024-02-02"]
[179,"We noticed that there is a separate Budget Justification for the Community Benefits Plan. The FOA does not seem to specifically state if there are requirements for Community Benefits spend ($) other than Justice40 requirements. Would you be able to provide guidance on if there is an expected/minimum spend (%) for the Community Benefits Plan?\n\n","The FOA does not specify these requirements.","2024-02-02"]
[180,"Is the anticipated minimum/maximum award size a hard rule or more of a guideline for budget requests?","The anticipated minimum and maximum award sizes detailed in Section II.A of the FOA refer to the Federal Share of the proposed projects, not the total project budget. \n\nPlease reference Section II of the FOA for further details on Award Information. ","2024-02-02"]
[181,"Our Concept Paper was successfully submitted (Control Number: xxxx-xxxx).  If I have additions or amendments, could I submit them to this email address?  ","The deadline to submit a concept paper has closed and no further changes to the submission can be made.  Any applicant that did not submit a Concept Paper by the due date/time is not eligible to submit a Full Application.","2024-02-02"]
[182,"We are interested in the Grip/topic area 3 and we are wondering if we can use revenue from the project as match.  More specifically, can we count money that the microgrid customers pay for electricity as match?  If so, can we only do this for the life of the grant?  In other words, can we only count revenue that is collected during the period of grant performance? ","Reference 2 CFR 200, Part 37 Program Income.","2024-02-02"]
[183,"I am working with a subset of utilities to put together an application for FOA 0003195. I have a few questions pertaining to the required documents. Please see below.\n\n1.\tIs it required that a separate Environmental Questionnaire be filled out for every location of work? For example, say a project is upgrading 20 substations, would there need to be an Environmental Questionnaire for each substation location?\n2.\tDoes there need to be a Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice from each subrecipient? Or just the primary applicant?\n","1.\tThe Applicant must submit an environmental questionnaire providing for the work of the entire project. The Applicant is also responsible for submitting a separate environmental questionnaire for each proposed subrecipient performing at a different location.  Reference “Environmental Questionnaire” in Section IV.\n2.\tThe Applicant will include information for itself and any project team member.  Reference “Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice” in Section IV.","2024-02-02"]
[184,"I have a question about TRL’s from the concept paper phase of the subject FOA. I did not submit a concept paper on behalf of my organization, Austin Energy, but I work with the teams that did.\n\nCan you please share the definition of TRL and the definitions for levels 1-9? This will be used for reference.\n","Reference Question 128.","2024-02-02"]
[185,"Do subrecipients have to independently qualify for the 3-year investment rule for Topic Area 1? Is it just the prime recipient that must qualify?  This is from pg.39 of the FOA.\n\nExcerpt below:\n“DOE may not award a grant to an eligible entity in an amount that is greater than “the total amount that the eligible entity has spent in the previous 3 years on efforts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events”. 37 DOE will interpret “efforts to reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events” as those activities, technologies, equipment, and hardening measures that are eligible for grants under this provision.”\n\n","Reference Questions 95, 160, and 161.","2024-04-08"]
[186,"Hello,\n\nIs there a possibility I can make contact with someone about this current FOA?\n\nMy office is mostly curious to know more about any future GRIP FOAs.\n\nAnd thanks!\n\n","Reference Question 52.","2024-02-02"]
[187,"We have an innovative, low-cost grid sensor system that would enhance grid resilience. However, I was not aware of this FOA until today, and have missed the concept paper dus date of 1/12/24. Is there any possibility to participate? Or, having missed this due date, is there no way to participate?","Reference Question 181.  Also, entities looking to team can reference “Teaming Partner List” in Section I of the FOA and the Teaming Part List on the Exchange website (https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/).","2024-02-02"]
[188,"We have not seen a response to our question in the most recent posted FOA 3195 Q&A (per the version dated 1/25/2024), nor a direct response by email or in FedConnect. Will this be in the next published version, or can we expect a direct response? If there is a timeline we can provide to project partners, this or the response will help greatly in planning. ","Per Section VII, all questions and answers related to this FOA will be posted on Exchange at: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/ (e.g., Applicants will not receive a direct response by email).   Currently, there is a backlog.  The FOA Team is working diligently to address questions that have been received.   Applicants are encouraged to check Exchange frequently.  See also Questions 13 and 168.","2024-02-05"]
[189,"Do subrecipients individually have to submit and/or meet the three-year resilience investment provision for Topic Area 1?","See questions 95, 103, and 161.","2024-02-14"]
[190,"I am supporting a client's application to the 2024 GRIP solicitation. Could you direct me to any additional required document templates you would like applicants to use?\n\nIn particular, preferred templates for the:\n\n1.\tSOPO, \n2.\tCommunity Partnership Documentation, \n3.\tForeign Entity Waiver Requests and Foreign Work Waiver Requests, \n4.\tPotentially Duplicative Funding Notice, \n5.\tTransparency of Foreign Connections, \n6.\tReport on Resilience Investments, \n7.\tEIA 861, and \n8.\tProject Description and Assurances Document (PDAD).\n\nCould you please confirm whether we can create our own or if the GRIP team requires specific templates for the above-listed documents?\n\nThank you for your assistance.","1.\tSOPO - See Appendix D.\n2.\tCommunity Partnership Documentation – See Community Partnership Documentation in Section IV ).\n3.\tForeign Entity Waiver Requests and Foreign Work Waiver Requests - See Appendix B.\n4.\tPotentially Duplicative Funding Notice - No template or prescribed format; however, ensure the Technical Volume includes the required information in Section IV.\n5.\tTransparency of Foreign Connections - See Transparency of Foreign Connections in Section IV.\n6.\tReport on Resilience Investments – Topic Area 1 Only; no template or prescribed format; however, ensure it includes the requirement information in Section IV.\n7.\tEIA 861 - Prescribed format imposed by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (a copy of your 861 to EIA is required for this FOA).\n8.\tProject Description and Assurances Document (PDAD) - See Appendix E.","2024-02-14"]
[191,"Hello! I have a question about form SF 424, item number 10, \"Name of Federal Agency.\" When I hover my cursor over the empty field, an info bubble pops up saying \"Agency Name: Prepopulated from the Application cover sheet.\"  Please see attached image.\n\nI'm not sure how to complete this field properly and appreciate any guidance you can offer. \n","Complete all required fields in accordance with the instructions on the form; the tooltip referenced can be ignored.","2024-02-14"]
[192,"We receved several questionsa asking if an entity can submit a full applcation if they missed the concept paper deadline. "," Per guidance in Sections III.C and IV.A of the FOA document, DOE will not consider  submissions submitted after the applicable deadline and only applicants who have submitted an eligible Concept Paper will be eligible to submit a Full Application. ","2024-02-14"]
[193,"Our Concept Paper was successfully submitted.  If I have additions or amendments, could I submit them to this email address?  ","The deadline to submit a Concept Paper has closed and no changes to the submission can be made.  Any applicant that did not submit a Concept Paper by the due date/time is not eligible to submit a Full Application.","2024-02-14"]
[194,"Is there an updated or more definitive anticipated date for Concept Paper Notifications. ","The Department is on track to issue Concept Paper Notifications in February 2024.","2024-02-27"]
[195,"When applying for the Topic Area 1: Resiliency grant, does the DOE consider interconnecting DER in conjunction with a battery as part of a microgrid (that’s being used for resilience purposes) acceptable given the following FOA language: \" The following activities are NOT eligible16 for funding under Topic Area 1: construction of: (I) a new electric generating facility; (II) a new large-scale battery-storage facility that is not used for enhancing system adaptive capacity during disruptive events; or (III) cybersecurity.”","Consistent with Section I.B.i. of the FOA, for Topic Area 1, the use or construction of distributed energy resources for enhancing system  adaptive capacity during disruptive events, including microgrids, is eligible for funding. However, the construction of a new power generating facility is not eligible for funding. The interconnection of DERs that were installed outside of GRIP funding along with BESS for the purpose of resilience is of interest. See also Question 61. ","2024-03-04"]
[196,"Does participation in the GRIP program necessitate a project going through the NEPA process? If so, does the project need to have completed NEPA at the time of award? ","Yes, reference “Environmental Review in Accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)” in Section VI of the FOA.\n\nApplicants will submit an environmental questionnaire with the Full Application.  Reference Section IV.D.xi in the FOA.  If selected for award, a NEPA determination would be made at the time of award.\n\nSee also “National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Requirements Related to Pre Award Costs” in Section IV.","2024-03-04"]
[197,"Your materials re: the GRIP FOAs seem to make clear that an application for funding can only be submitted if an application is first preceded by a filed concept paper. Can you please confirm there are no exceptions to this requirement?","This is correct, there are no exceptions to this requirement.  See also Questions 192 and 193.","2024-03-04"]
[198,"We are unable to download the SF424 Application for Federal Assistance associated with this FOA because it requires a different version of Adobe.   Are you able to send a different version of this form? ","Applicants can download the SF 424 Application in Exchange and in Grants.gov (under related documents).  Alternatively, Grants.gov is the official form repository and Applicants can also find the SF 424 Application under “Forms” in Grants.gov.\n\nIf Applicants still have difficulty accessing the SF 424 Application, please 1) ensure you have a current version of Adobe (reader or program)  and 2) confirm your internet browser setting is set to “always download PDF files” vice trying to open the file within the internet browser itself.","2024-03-04"]
[199,"We have a few questions regarding the  DE-FOA-0003195; specifically Topic Area 2.  \n\n1. CBP Budget Justification Workbook: The eligible costs for the technical portion are outlined, however the CBP eligible costs have not been outlined. What are the eligible costs for the Community Benefit Plan? There are many CBP activities prioritized by the FOA that would seem to be ineligible for funding based on criteria # 6) found on FOA page 19: \"Expenditures for ongoing salaries, benefits, or personnel costs not incurred in the initial installation, training, or startup of smart grid functions.\"\n2. With regard to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law–Specific Requirements that begin on page 28 of the FOA, including Davis Bacon and Buy America requirements, do these apply to: a) partners (co-ops) listed in the project application that do not receive any federal funds flowed down for this project, but that contribute work to the project with their own funds? b) contractors or subcontractors paid by co-ops that ARE listed in the application as partners, that do not receive any federal funds flowed down for this project but that contribute work to the project with non-federal funds from co-ops? c) entities including co-ops that ARE NOT listed in the application as partners, that do not receive any federal funds flowed down for this project, but that contribute work to the project with their own funds? d) contractors or subcontractors paid by co-ops that ARE NOT listed in the application as partners, that do not receive any federal funds flowed down for this project but that contribute work to the project with non-federal funds from co-ops?\n","1.\t Applicants should propose CBP costs in support of the CBP plan they propose. Reference Community Benefits Plan Budget Justification in Section IV.   All expenditures must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with the applicable federal cost principles. Pursuant to 2 CFR 910.352, the cost principles in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (48 CFR 31.2) apply to for-profit entities. The cost principles contained in 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E apply to all entities other than for-profits.   Reference Allowable Costs in Section IV.  In addition, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) imposed cost restrictions for Topic Area 2 which are detailed in Section I.\n\n2.\tIt is not clear what contractual arrangements you are proposing in the various scenario (a-d).  In general, entities that support the project scope are recognized in the budget and are subject to the terms and conditions (including flow-down requirements where applicable).  ","2024-03-04"]
[200,"When writing the 12 page Community Benefits Plan we noticed there is a template provided by DOE (linked in the FOA). Does it disqualify us if we do not use the provided Community Benefits Plan template? Or will it harm our chances in the review and grading process for award selection? ","See FOA Modification 000003 issued 2/27/24","2024-03-04"]
[201,"Hello!  I was curious, will the Grid-Enhancing program be offered again in 2024-2026 at any point?  ","Reference Question 37.","2024-03-04"]
[202,"I have a question about the anticipated minimum award for this funding opportunity.\n\nFor Topic Area 1, Grid Resilience Grants, an anticipated minimum funding award is given at $10M for small utilities and of $50M for large utilites.  Is these hard lines?  It is foreseeable that either our project would not be big enough to justify the anticipated minimum level of funding or we that we might not be able to justify that level of funding based on previous resilience investment.\n\nAny direction you can provide would be appreciated.\n","Reference Question 156.","2024-03-04"]
[203,"How are the costs incurred by the recipient to finance the Federal Cost Share from the time the expense is incurred to the time of reimbursement by the DOE factored in? Are these financing costs eligible to meet the recipient’s cost share requirement?","Project costs determined to be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with the cost principles is allowable.  See 2 CFR 200.  See also 2 CFR 200.449 Interest and FAR 31-205-20 Interest and Other Financial Costs.  After review, if this does not address your concern, please clarify what is meant by \"financing costs\" and re-submit your question to FOA3195@netl.doe.gov.","2024-03-04"]
[204,"RESERVED","RESERVED","RESERVED"]
[205,"Our question about 3195: Are brownfield N-1 projects okay for the $250 million grant funding application?","Please reference Section I of the FOA for details on the eligible activities.","2024-03-04"]
[206,"When and how will we be notified if our Concept Paper is selected to move forward to the complete application process?  The FOA states February 2024, but we can find no further information.","Concept Paper notifications were released on 2/29/2024 from FOA3195@netl.doe.gov.  If an applicant did not receive your notification, please double check your spam/junk folder and if not received, please send an email to the FOA email and indicate your Exchange control number.","2024-03-15"]
[207,"We are seeking further clarification of the following information for Topic Area 1 (40101(c)) to augment responses provided in DOE’s Q&A Excel spreadsheet posted on the Clean Energy Infrastructure FO Exchange:\n\nApproaches to construct new transmission (at or above 69 kV). Line completes a radial loop or solves an N-1 contingency issue.                                                                                                                 \n                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n• In a previous answer, you defined an N-1 contingency as “the ability of the power to withstand the failure of any single component (N-1) without causing a wider system failure or significant performance degradation. Projects that solve an N-1 contingency issue could involve proposing projects or solutions that enhances system resilience and reliability by mitigating the risks and outcomes associated with component failures.”  \no Would you be able to provide a similar definition for a radial loop? How does it differ materially from an N-1 contingency?\n• In the definition provided, instead of “radial loop”, was it meant to be “radial/loop”? (that is, radial feed to be converted into loop)?\n• Can you elaborate on what constitutes a “new” transmission line? \n• How does DOE define transmission line reconductoring or a rebuild? \n\nWe have previously reviewed your related responses to questions 60, 80, 93, and 147.\n\nWe greatly appreciate your consideration and look forward to your timely response.","1-2. \"Complete a radial loop\" is defined as a change to the system where the current line configuration is radial, and the project will change the configuration to a loop. \n2. A new transmission line is a line that is being constructed without a previous line present in the proposed location. Reconductoring is not considered a new transmission line. \n3. Reconductoring is defined as removing existing conductors on an existing transmission line and installing (reconductoring) new conductors on the line. Rebuild is defined as the tear down and replacement of any part of the structure.","2024-03-15"]
[208,"Could you help me confirm if a congressional senator wants to write a letter of support for a federal DOE: GRIP Grant application, where and to whom should the letter be addressed?","We are not able to consider letters of support or endorsement from entities that do not have a substantive role in the project.  Reference Letters of Commitment in Section IV; see also the Technical Review Criteria in Section V.A.ii.","2024-03-22"]
[209,"These are the following questions related to FOA DE-FOA-0003195:\n\n1. In the FOA, you state that \"cost share must be verifiable upon submission of the Full Application.\" Is this requirement equally applicable across all budget periods or is there a greater burden of proof for spending that will occur in budget period #1? \n\n2. Please provide examples of the kinds of evidence or information that are typically used to verify cost share for the various budget periods.\n\n3. What are the requirements for cost share funding expenditures to align with federal funding expenditure timelines? Is it possible to have a higher level of cost share in one phase and lower levels in another phase, with the overall project total meeting the overall FOA requirement?\n","1.\tApplicants are bound by the cost share proposed in their Full Applications if selected for award negotiations and must be verified upon submission of the Full Application (for the entire project).  Reference Cost Sharing in Section II and Cost Share Information in Appendix A.\n2.\tReference Cost Share Information in Appendix A.  \n3.\tCost Share is required on a budget period basis.","2024-03-22"]
[210,"The FOA indicates a page limit of 12 pages for the Community Benefits Plans, but it also indicates a preference for using DOE’s Community Benefits Plan template, which is longer than 12 pages. Other DOE programs have indicated that applicants should use the template and disregard page limits for the CBP. Will GRIP be doing the same or strictly holding applicants to the 12-page max on the CBP?","FOA modification 000003 was issued 2/27/20204 to impose a required format for the CBP and revise the established page limitations.","2024-03-22"]
[211,"Can you confirm that each key team member from Subrecipient organizations will need to provide Resumes, Letters of Commitment, Subrecipient Budget Justification, SF-LLL, and CPS forms?","•\tResumes are required for project manager(s) and key personnel.  Reference Resumes in Section IV.\n\n•\tLetters of Commitment are required from all subrecipient and third-party cost share providers. See Letters of Commitment in Section IV.\n\n•\tSubrecipient Budget Justifications are requirements for each subrecipient that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25 percent of the total work effort (whichever is less).  Reference Subrecipient Budget Justification (if applicable), in Section IV.\n\n•\tSF-LLL’s are  required for all subrecipients.  Reference SF-LLL:  Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (required) in Section IV.\n\n•\tCPS (Current and Pending Support) is required the for the Principal Investigator or Lead Project Manager and all senior/key personnel at the applicant and subrecipient level.  Reference Current and Pending Supporting in Section IV.","2024-03-22"]
[212,"Can you confirm that Community Partnership organizations will only need to provide Community Partnership Documentation, and not the rest of the listed documents for subrecipients?","Correct. In support of the Community Benefits Plan, applicants are encouraged to submit\ndocumentation to demonstrate existing or planned partnerships with\ncommunity entities, such as organizations that work with local stakeholders\nmost vulnerable to or affected by the project.   Reference Community Partnership Documentation in Section IV.","2024-03-22"]
[213,"Is there a firm project end date or required date funds must be encumbered for Topic Area 3 projects?","No; however, if selected for award, selectees would manage the costs in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award within the established period of performance of the award.","2024-03-22"]
[214,"File size limits of 10mb are expressed in multiple places, but there is a mention of 50mb file limits in the FOA as well. Is the limit 10mb?","The correct file size limit is 50mb.  This has been corrected in modification 000003 issued on 2/27/2024.","2024-03-22"]
[215,"For files that exceed the size limit, but stay within the page limit, the FOA expresses that they can be broken into multiple file uploads. Will each category allow for multiple uploads? In past applications some categories were limited to one file upload, so we want to confirm.","Yes","2024-03-22"]
[216,"Would the DOE review an interactive digital map in response to Environmental Questionnaire item 2.a \"Identify project structure(s), power line(s), utilities system(s), right-of-way(s) or road(s) that will be constructed and clearly mark them on a project site map or topographic map as appropriate\"?","Section II.D.2.a of the Environmental Questionnaire states, \"Identify project structure(s), power line(s), utilities system(s), right-of-way(s) or road(s) that will be constructed and clearly mark them on a project site map or topographic map as appropriate\".  There are no specific format requirements for the map.\nIf selected for award negotiations, DOE reserves the right to require that selected applicants provide additional or clarifying information regarding the application submissions including documentation to complete the NEPA review process.  ","2024-03-22"]
[217,"How are the costs incurred by the recipient to finance the Federal Cost Share from the time the expense is incurred to the time of reimbursement by the DOE factored in? Are these financing costs eligible to meet the recipient’s cost share requirement?","Project costs determined to be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with the cost principles is allowable.  See 2 CFR 200.  See also 2 CFR 200.449 Interest and FAR 31-205-20 Interest and Other Financial Costs.  After review, if this does not address your concern, please clarify what is meant by \"financing costs\" and re-submit your question to FOA3195@netl.doe.gov.","2024-03-22"]
[218,"Our question about 3195: Are brownfield N-1 projects okay for the $250 million grant funding application?","Please reference Section I of the FOA for details on the eligible activities.","2024-03-22"]
[219,"I need help! We are probably one of the most important communities in the USA for national security when you consider all 5 military installations that make up Colorado Springs, also we directly provide services to 4 of those 5 military installations. It would be helpful to garner support for funding capital resiliency projects that directly support them! We are a municipal utility not an investor-owned utility. \n\nWhat my community does not have is a lot of the elements of what you would consider to be “historically”  or currently disadvantaged. We have pockets within our city, but really struggle with the community benefits piece because the work we do benefits the whole of the community. \n\nAs for the elements of the Community Benefits Plan: \n\nCommunity & Labor Engagement\nWe DO NOT have labor unions, we are a municipal utility (local government), and DO NOT have tribal entities. \n\nInvesting in Job Quality and Workforce Continuity \nAll of our positions are “good jobs” in fact almost all of our positions are equal to Davis bacon wages or higher. \n\nDEIA \nHow do we consider including this into an energy project? Our workforce is reflective of our community.\n\nJustice 40\nAccording to latest census tract maps I’ve seen our community’s “disadvantaged” portion which shows itself to be around 10 or 11 %....and its not divided but rather in small pockets spread out in the city. \n\nHow is a major national security community that does not have many of the issues you are wanting to rectify socially through energy projects able to compete? \n\nWe are brainstorming but would appreciate any input that’s possible! Thank you in advance! Good luck to us in Round 2! \n","The FOA does not require that projects be located in a disadvantaged community or utilize labor unions. All Community Benefits Plans will be unique to the respective proposed projects. \nPlease see FOA Modification 000003 issued 2/27/24. The modification includes a required template for submission of the Community Benefits Plan. The template is available on Exchange and Grants.gov, includes detailed instructions and examples, as well as links to additional resources. See also Question 48.\n","2024-03-22"]
[220,"The FOA calls out restrictions of scope related to new transmission at or above 69kV.  I see there are exceptions for special cases, the completion of a radial loop, or resolution of an N-1 contingency issue.  For clarity, does the FOA generally apply to the reconstruction or upgrade of higher voltage systems, like an upgrade from 138kV to 230kV, to meet the priority areas of the funding opportunity?","As stated in Section I.A.iii, projects that propose to construct new transmission infrastructure to resolve a specific and identified contingency condition that the applicant has been unable to resolve using standard investment and planning approaches are a high priority of this FOA. Section I.A.iii also states that projects that significantly increase the transmission capacity of existing rights-of-way using advanced conductors, grid-enhancing technologies, or high-voltage direct current in coordination with investments that enable integration and full utilization of high-capacity corridors are a high priority for this FOA. As stated in Section VII of the FOA, feedback on individual concepts will not be provided through Q&A. See also Questions 60 and 93. ","2024-03-22"]
[221,"Please see the question below regarding GRIP FOA3195:\n\nFor GRIP Topic Area 3 community benefits plans, if a sub-recipient is submitting an application with a state-led entity as the lead applicant, and the state’s procurement policies are in conflict with federal policies (i.e., the state requires entities to competitively bid for labor and the FOA asks for specific commitments around jobs and unions), which policy or guideline should the sub-recipient follow?\n\nSecondarily, if the sub-recipient is proposing an interregional project between two states, is the sub-recipient subject to both states’ procurement policies, as well as federal, and which take priority? Are there recommendations for how a sub-recipient should proceed if the policies of the two states differ? \n\nWe appreciate your response to this important question in the FAQs.","Per 2 CFR 200.317, \"a State must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal funds. The State will comply with §§ 200.321, 200.322, and 200.323 and ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes any clauses required by § 200.327. All other non-Federal entities, including subrecipients of a State, must follow the procurement standards in §§ 200.318 through 200.327.\" If this does not address your question, please clarify and re-submit.","2024-03-22"]
[222,"Our team sees that you have four required phases in the SOPO. Can we add/edit any of these phases, or does the DOE anticipate all proposed projects to be broken down in 4 phases?","Tasks should be organized into phases as much as applicable for the stated project objectives. ","2024-03-22"]
[223,"Do we need a Professional Engineer (PE) Certification? ","A copy of a PE certification is not required by the FOA.","2024-03-22"]
[224,"Can we use tables within the CBP template? How much can it be altered?","There is no prohibition in the FOA on using tables within the CBP template.  Applicants need to complete each section of the CBP as described in the template and meet the general formatting requirements specified in Section IV of the FOA, \"Application Process.\"","2024-03-22"]
[225,"Can you please clarify what is meant by the following area of improvement on the Concept Papers Letters of Encouragement: “The Concept Paper has not adequately identified, including possible mitigation strategies,\ntechnical, operational, and administrative risks to the security of the applicant’s assets.”? Is this pertaining to ensuring that there are cybersecurity protections in place for each project? How much detail would you like applicants to provide on their cybersecurity policies? \n","If the Department of Energy (DOE) has identified potential area(s) for improvement based on the concept paper merit review criteria identified in the FOA, it included that information in your determination. See Section I.A.i of the FOA. No other information is available.","2024-03-22"]
[226,"We received a “discourage” determination for our submission for Topic Area 3. \n(1)\tWill DoE help in finding a partner with applicants  for projects? Related to the same question does DoE disqualify the application on account of not having a utility taker for partnership – in the event of private player failing to identify a potential partnership??\n(2)\tIf we find a suitable partner from the “infrastructure eXCHANGE webpage” – could we in our final submission, ask them to lead the way with the same title of the project used? Are there any constraints here? What are the rules to be followed in this case?\n(3)\tIf an applicant is “discouraged from the full submission” would we know what would be the key reasons for the discouragement? \n(4)\tWill DoE provide guidance during the submission of the final application or at least help in the project scope document? Or could DoE share an application as an example project from previous years that was accepted by DoE? \n(5)\tWill there be any extension provided with? From the date of 17th April for Topic Area 3?","1.\tReference Question 58.\n2.\tYes, however the control number assigned to the Concept paper needs to be stipulated in the full application, and only 1 concept paper can be used to support the application.  \n\n3.\t If the Department of Energy (DOE) had identified potential area(s) for improvement based on the concept paper merit review criteria identified in Section I.A.i of the FOA, the concept paper determination issued on 2/29/2024 included that information and no other information is available.  Any applicant that did not receive the concept paper notification (issued from FOA3195@netl.doe.gov) should notify us using that email.\n4.\tAs this is a competitive announcement, DOE does not assist Applicants with development of their application nor do we share application examples. In addition to the feedback provided in the concept paper determination, DOE hosted a webinar to provide updates, broad feedback, and guidance to potential applicants and other interested stakeholders. A recording of that webinar will be made available here: https://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/march-12-grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-application-webinar \n5.\tNo extension is anticipated. ","2024-03-22"]
[227,"Our application includes a prime recipient and several sub-recipients. If our concept paper was encouraged, but we need to make a change to our prime recipient, could you provide guidance in regards to how best to approach that change? \n\nOur new prime recipient was previously listed as a sub-recipient, and they do qualify as an eligible entity based on Topic Area 1’s eligible entity list. \n","The control number assigned to the Concept paper needs to be stipulated in the full application, and only 1 concept paper can be used to support the application.  ","2024-03-22"]
[228,"The links to register for the webinars appear to be broken.\n\nIs there another link available?\n","We double checked the webinar links and found no issues.\n\nA recording of the March 5 webinar is available at https://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/march-5-community-benefits-plans-training-grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships.\n\nThe slides from the March 12 Program Update webinar, which included more detail on program updates as well as broad guidance to applicants based on our findings from the Concept Paper review process, is available at https://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/march-12-grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-application-webinar. A recording will be available on that page.\n\n","2024-03-22"]
[229,"Regarding the CBP Budget Justification Workbook, the eligible costs for the technical portion of the grant are outlined well in the FOA, however the CBP eligible costs have not been outlined, or not as clearly. What are the eligible costs for the Community Benefits Plan? There are many CBP activities prioritized by the FOA that would seem to be ineligible for funding based on criteria # 6) found on FOA page 19: \"Expenditures for ongoing salaries, benefits, or personnel costs not incurred in the initial installation, training, or startup of smart grid functions.\"\n\nConsidering the importance of the four goals/objectives listed under section \"C. Community Benefits Plan: Job Quality and Equity\" on page 25, and the expectation that activities in pursuit of the four goals/objectives will be written into the technical volume, SOPO and the CBP, it would be very helpful to know which of these activities are eligible to be included in the CBP budget, and thus the overall budget?\n\nThanks for any clarification you can provide.\n","Cost principles in 2 CFR 200 as amended by DOE's supplement at 2 CFR 910 would apply, with the exception that TA2 has specific exclusions described in the FOA document.  See Section I of the FOA.","2024-03-22"]
[230,"It looks like these meetings are being digitally hosted from a country that is blocked by my organization.  Can you provide the host country so that we can verify that it is not blocked on our end?","The webinars pertaining to this FOA are hosted on WebEx from the United States. As an alternative, you may consider joining via phone; the call-in information is provided in the WebEx registration confirmation email. \n\nA recording of the March 5 webinar is available at https://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/march-5-community-benefits-plans-training-grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships.\n\nThe slides from the March 12 Program Update webinar, which included more detail on program updates as well as broad guidance to applicants based on our findings from the Concept Paper review process, is available at https://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/march-12-grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-application-webinar. A recording will be available on that page.\n\n","2024-03-22"]
[231,"A CBP template was posted last week, but the websites don’t have a template for the full application technical volume yet. Will someone be posting a full application template similar to the concept paper phase? If so when?","A template for the technical volume is not provided.  The Technical Volume must conform to the content and form requirements prescribed in the FOA.  Reference Section IV of the FOA.","2024-03-22"]
[232,"We received several questions from Applicants requesting an extension to the Full Application due dates and wanting to confirm the required Full Application due dates.","\nWe appreciate the time and effort that goes into submitting a Full Application.   No extension is anticipated.  See the FOA for the Full Application Due Dates.  As of the date of this Q&A, per Modification 000003 issued 2/27/2024, the Full Application due date for TA1 and TA3 is April 17, 2024, at 5 pm ET and Full Applications for TA2 are due May 22, 2024, at 5 pm ET.  \n\nAny information that appears discrepant (e.g., on websites, webinars, FAQs, etc.) from the FOA language is superseded by the FOA language.","2024-03-22"]
[233,"I am going to batch the next few questions and release the following Q:\n\nWe received several questions from Applicants concerned they have not received a concept paper determination or they were not seeing an \"APPLY\" button in Exchange or the “Decision” column was still showing as “Decision Not Available” in Exchange.","The Department released Concept Paper Determinations in an email from FOA3195@netl.doe.gov on 2/29/2024.  Any applicant that did not receive their email should notify us through the FOA email (FOA3195@netl.doe.gov).  Additionally, the Department had to ready the Exchange system to receive Full Applications.  That process was completed on March 7, 2024 and Applicants should now see the “Apply” button.","2024-03-22"]
[234,"On January 12, 2024 we applied for a GRIP grant under DE-FOA-0003195-2074. The application is a TA1 grant, and I believe when I applied, I mis-checked the TA2 boxes. Can we still apply under the TA1 GRIP topic area after receiving an encouragement notification letter for topic area 2? ","Yes","2024-03-22"]
[235,"1.\tWhen including a CBP partner such as a CBO, University, apprenticeship program, or outreach partner in our CBP, do we need to have them provide unloaded rates in the personnel tab of the budget template or can we just provide a line item for them under the contractor tab of the budget template? \n2.\tIf we are using a for-profit CBP partner, such as a training program, are they allowed to give us their rate for providing the training which includes profit margin or are they prohibited from earning profit, or is there a limit to how much profit they can earn when receiving funds from the grant to perform activities related to the CBP? ","\n1.\tApplicants must provide a separate budget justification for each subrecipient that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25 percent of the total work effort (whichever is less).    For subrecipients less than these requirements, it is expected their costs will be shown in the Applicant’s budget justification in the contractual worksheet tab of the Budget Justification template. \n2.\tProfit or Fee is unallowable for subrecipients.  Reference 2 CFR 910.358.","2024-03-22"]
[236,"Our concept paper was accepted and we were invited to submit a full application. We listed ourselves as the lead applicant for the concept paper. May we list a different member of our project team as the lead applicant for the full application (as long as they qualify) or do we have to remain the lead applicant?","Yes; however, the control number assigned to the Concept paper needs to be stipulated in the full application, and only 1 concept paper can be used to support the application.  ","2024-03-22"]
[237,"I am inquiring about the deadline for the current GRIP FOA. I am aware the deadline for concept papers was 01/12/24, and in order to be eligible to submit a full application, your organization must first complete a concept paper. However, my question for you is if there is still an opportunity to apply/will there be a 3rd round for this grant program? \n\nI attended the IEEE ISGTNA 2024 conference a few weeks ago in Washington, D.C. and was encouraged by Colin Meehan, who spoke on one of the panels, that utilities and regulatory agencies are still encouraged to apply. I am not sure if you can share whether another FOA will be released, but I did want to at least confirm or deny whether or not there is indeed still an opportunity to apply even if an organization has missed the January 12th Concept paper deadline. I hope you can provide clarity and I look forward to your response, thank you.\n\n","Reference questions 37, 88, and 89.","2024-03-22"]
[238,"We received a \"encouraged to submit a full application\" letter associated with the above referenced FOA. Thank you for reviewing our project.  We have a few questions which we would like to speak with an agency representative.\n\nQuestions:\n1. With the actual award, we are planning on contacting numerous small utilities and rural electric coops over a multi year process, but those actual locations are not yet known.  We will have had conversations with several proposed sites to flesh out the project work, but the grant is intended to be used across many small utilities and over a few regional areas at a minimum.  Should we list the proposed regions/sites or do are you actually intending for us to have actual contracted locations identified prior to the DOE application submission date?\n\n2. Are there any DOE identified locations (areas of focus, underservice, someone reached out separately) that we should focus our location search?\n\n3. What other information would the DOE looking to for support of the \"impact of DOE funding\" or was that just a generic reply to solicit more details.  \n\n4. We have a project partner who may also serve the role as a vendor at the project level.  Example: The partner has an engineering division who would contribute $X towards our designing our software and service model prior to performing service at the actual project.  This same organization has a difference subsidiary that would be an engineering resource at the project and would separately be treated as a vendor.  Can the former be treated as cost match sub receipient/partner and the latter would not be considered match because they would be vendor paid in cash?","As this is a competitive announcement, DOE cannot speak with applicants regarding their proposed project or questions.\n\n1.\tList the proposed regions/sites.\n2.\tApplicants should propose locations based on their project.\n3.\tApplicants should describe the impact Federal funding would have for their proposed project.\n4.\tApplicants should categorize based on the type of work to be performed.  Reference 2 CFR 200.331 - Subrecipient and Subcontractor Determinations.","2024-03-22"]
[239,"1.\tYou asked for TRL within the template to submit your concept paper. I assume you will need to do this for the full applications as well. Can you provide direction on what we should put for the TRL when there are multiple components on the projects at different levels? \n2.\tIn the template to submit the concept paper, you also required project locations with addresses and zip codes. Can you provide direction on what should be used for transmission line projects that span across multiple zip codes and don’t have a physical address? \n\n","1.Provide the TRL level for the component that has the lowest TRL.  \n2.\tReference Question 183.","2024-03-22"]
[240,"Is FAR Subpart 22.5 – Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects part of this FOA and/or a provision in resulting cooperative agreements? ","Project Labor Agreements (PLA's) are not a requirement in the FOA document; however, per FOA guidance, DOE strongly encourages the use of PLA's in connection with construction projects. Reference Section IV.I.iv of the FOA, Construction.","2024-03-22"]
[241,"Can the full application include transmission lines different from those in the concept paper? \n","Yes, applicants may update or alter proposed project technical details submitted at the Concept Paper stage, respective to the topic area's eligibility requirements.","2024-03-22"]
[242,"Can the applicant apply in the Full Application to a Topic Area different from the one they applied to in the Concept Paper?","Yes, applicants that have submitted an eligible concept paper to this FOA may submit a full application to any Topic Area in the FOA if eligibility and cost share requirements have been met. ","2024-03-22"]
[243,"1.\tIf there is a change in the scope of work for a project (e.g., a change in project location or in the voltage of facilities to be constructed) between the time a concept paper is submitted and the deadline for a full application, would the applicant still be eligible for an award?\n2.\tDoes the scope of work described in the full application have to match the concept paper exactly for the applicant to be eligible for an award? \n3.\t An applicant that is a utility may be required to receive certain government approvals (e.g., from state utility boards or local zoning authorities) to proceed with its project. The applicant may not be able to receive such approvals prior to submitting a full application. If a government agency approves a project, but requires (as a condition of that approval) that the project be modified relative to how it was presented in the applicant’s full application, would the applicant still be eligible for an award? In other words, if a governmental agency with jurisdiction over the project requires that it be modified in some way, will the applicant still be eligible for funding, even if the modified project differs somewhat from what was presented in the applicant’s full application?"," 1.\tYes, as long as it complies with the requirements of the FOA.\n2.\tNo, as long as the revised scope meets the requirements in the FOA.\n3.\tThis would depend on the specific circumstances and changes. The applicant should describe these kinds of requirements and any anticipated challenges/risks in the technical volume.  ","2024-03-22"]
[244,"\"My organization will be submitting a concept paper in one or more of the GRIP Topic Areas in January. We’re seeking clarification whether we are recognized as an Eligible Applicant under the FOA. The relevant facts:\n• We are a “Section 17” corporation, chartered under 25 U.S.C. § 5124. Our Charter was certified by the Department of the Interior (DoI), Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs on June 24, 2015.\n• We are owned 100% by seven federally recognized Tribes in the Upper Great Plains.\n• We are a not-for-profit corporation.\n• Our sole purpose is to develop renewable energy utility-scale and community-scale projects on the reservations of our member Tribes.\n• We meet the definition of a “Tribal Energy Development Organization or TEDO” under 25 C.F.R. § 224.30 (definition #1). To date, we have not sought certification as a TEDO by DoI.\nTopic Area 2: Smart Grid Grants (40107) defines eligible applicants to include “tribal nations.”\nTopic Area 3: Grid Innovation Program (40103(b)) defines eligible applicants to include “an Indian Tribe.”\nAs a Section 17 not-for-profit TEDO, are we an Eligible Applicant for purposes of the GRIP FOA?\"","The prime applicant must be one of the eligible domestic entities listed as Eligible Applicants in Section III of the FOA. Section 17 not-for-profit corporations are not considered a Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe under GRIP TA2 or TA3.  However, eligible entities under TA2 include domestic “non-profit and not-for-profit entities”.   Additionally, eligible entities serving as a prime applicant may partner with subrecipients to support the project needs in accordance with program objectives in all Topic Areas. DOE will not make eligibility determinations for specific potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.","2024-03-22"]
[245,"When filling out the environmental questionnaire, how should we account for work in years 3 or 4 of the project, particularly when there are 'unknowns' such as the replacement of poles that are dependent upon an assessment from engineering? In this case, since the specific poles to be replaced in year 3 are not known, how should we accurately fill out the form to reflect this uncertainty? Additionally, could we include a map that outlines the areas where the work is slated to be done, as a means of addressing components of the forms? For instance, if we consider the potential impact on scenic waterways, the answer is likely yes when looking at the big picture, but since we don't have specific details today, how should we accurately respond to those types of questions?","If selected for award and a work location is not known at the time of application, a subsequent environmental questionnaire will be needed for all locations known at time of award.   Post-award, any changes in scope, budget, location, or end date require a review of the NEPA documentation to ensure it is still applicable.  Item C2 of the environmental questionnaire states “Attach a project site location map of the project area.”","2024-03-22"]
[246,"The Hopi Utilities Corporation, a Section 17 entity of the Hopi Nation, is applying for the Tribes and Territories GRIP award and we have a couple of questions:\n1.\tMaybe I missed it, but Section 17 entities, wholly owned and for the benefit of a Federally recognized Tribe, are eligible to apply, yes?\n2.\tDo tribal applicants still need to complete a Community Benefits Plan? By definition, Tribes are disadvantaged and underserved communities, so 100% of any energy project will benefit the Tribe which more than satisfies the EJ and Justice40 guidlines. Other Federal programs have waived this requirement for Tribal applicants, so I wanted to pose the question here. \n","1. DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. Please see Section III of the FOA for eligibility information. \n2. Yes, all applicants are required to complete a Community Benefits Plan using the template provided.\n\nPlease also reference Question 244.","2024-03-22"]
[247,"Hello, the submission deadline for Topic 2 on the exchange website is still showing April 17, 2024 instead of May 22, 2024 as stated in the FOA. Will this be changed in the website?","The application closing date in Exchange (April 17, 2024 5 pm ET) is for Topic Area 1 and 3 applications only.  Within ~1 week after that closing date, Exchange will be “re-opened” to reflect the Topic Area 2 closing date of May 22, 2024 5 PM ET.","2024-03-22"]
[248,"1. For the CBP, what if we have so many commitments that it exceeds the page limit?\n2. What about subrecipients for a CBOO? Subcontractor was mentioned vs subrecipient was not.\n3. Can we modify the CBP template with tables and does it adhere to the same formatting principles as the technical?\n4. Can we upload supporting documents or agreements in lieu of community partnership documents? Or do we have to get a new summarizing document of the agreement as a community partnership document?","1. The CBP page limit was increased from 10 pages to 25 pages in Modification 000003 released on 2/27/2024.\n2. The award is with the prime and, as such, the CBOO should not generally reference the subcontractors or subrecipients.\n3. Reference Question 224.  Formatting principles for the Full Application are prescribed in Section IV of the FOA (reference “Application Process”).\n4. In support of the Community Benefits Plan, applicants are encouraged to submit documentation to demonstrate existing or planned partnerships with community entities, such as organizations that work with local stakeholders most vulnerable to or affected by the project.  Reference Community Partnership Documentation in Section IV.","2024-03-22"]
[249,"We submitted our concept paper under Topic 2. A state entity and a public utility is part of our project team. Originally the state was going to be the lead applicant, but now we would like to have the utility be the lead and submit the full application under Topic 3, would this be possible? ","Reference Question 236.","2024-03-26"]
[250,"Hello – I am in the process of assisting a company on the application process for FOA 3195. Can you submit more than one environmental questionnaire, or does the system just allow for one form to be submitted?","Yes, more than one EQ can be uploaded.","2024-03-26"]
[251,"Is there a maximum percentage of federal funds that may be used for the community benefits plan?","No","2024-03-26"]
[252,"What is the max award amount per project/application under Topic Area 1?","Reference the Estimated Funding chart in Section II of the FOA.","2024-03-26"]
[253,"I just attended the GRIP Program Application Webinar.  During the discussion of Topic Area 2, the presenter mentioned that generation assets funded through the grant will not be eligible for tax credits.  Does the same tax credit restriction apply to Topic Area 3?  ","No. See also Question 34.","2024-03-26"]
[254,"After attending the seminar, we had a quick question regarding generation facilities not being eligible for topic area 1.\n\nWithin our CBP, not our scope, we are proposing 2 micro-grid sites to support grid resiliency in DACs for when inclement & severe weather hits our service territory. We believe this would be eligible and not fall under a generation facility. Can you confirm?\n\n","New generation refers to any equipment or software that will be used in the creation of electricity including distribution-sited solar. Under Topic Area 1, new generation is ineligible to receive funding and ineligible to provide cost match. Reference Questions 61 and 195.","2024-03-26"]
[255,"Please provide additional clarification on the factors required to be eligible for the higher project funding amounts. ","No additional information is available than what is prescribed in the FOA document.","2024-03-26"]
[256,"Are demonstration and/or pilot projects eligible under Topic Area 2?","Section I.B.ii of the FOA states that Topic Area 2 aims to support projects that will achieve the FOA goals and objectives through \"innovative and ambitious uses of cutting-edge, market-ready technologies.\" The FOA does not expressly prohibit demonstration and/or pilot projects. Please note, DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. ","2024-03-26"]
[257,"We are contacting you on behalf of the City of Redding (California) Electric Utility.  We have a few questions about the FOA. We are applying for Topic 1. \n\n1.\tWe understand from the FOA that a subrecipient must be named if they will carry out work for more than $250,000. Did we understand correctly that a subrecipient is any provider that would provide more than $250K of work toward the project? And if so, would we still need to include a subrecipient for the application if we have not identified contractors yet?  \n2.\tCan grant funds be used for new hires?\n3.\tOur location of work will be within the City of Redding but we do not have a specific address.  For example, we hope to replace 150 miles of aging underground cable. What should we put for the work location?  Is it enough to put the city, county, and state?\n\n","1.\tA subrecipient is a legal entity to which a subaward is made, who has performance measured against whether the objectives of the Federal program are met, is responsible for programmatic decision making, must adhere to applicable Federal program compliance requirements, and uses the Federal funds to carry out a program of the organization. A vendor is a legal entity contracted to provide goods and services within normal business operations, provides similar goods or services to many different purchasers, operates in a competitive environment, provides goods or services that are ancillary to the operation of the Federal program, and is not subject to compliance requirements of the Federal program.   All characteristics may not be present and judgment must be used to determine subrecipient vs. vendor status.  Reference the instructions contained in the budget justification worksheet.  See also 2 CFR 200 Part 331 Subrecipient and contractor determinations.\n\nApplicants must provide a separate budget justification for each subrecipient that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25 percent of the total work effort (whichever is less).\n\n2.\tYes\n\n3.\tIf the street address is not known, fill in the available information.","2024-03-26"]
[258,"We are a part of a teaming arrangement that includes two state entities. The application explicitly says “a state” or “two or more states” are considered eligible applicants for Topic Area 3. Is there a way to make both states the prime applicant or is one required to be a sub-applicant? If two states can be prime applicants, is there any special SAMs or other registrations required to do so? ","Only one entity can submit as the prime applicant.  ","2024-03-26"]
[259,"If a project was encouraged to proceed to full application and an application is submitted in compliance with the FOA, can it be withdrawn during the DOE review period? If yes, what would the process be to withdraw? ","Yes.  If an applicant submits a full application but later wants to rescind it, please email FOA3195@netl.doe.gov and indicate this desire on letterhead from the person authorized to make this assertion for your organization.","2024-03-26"]
[260,"The instruction box for Section B.1 in the CBP form includes the following:\n\n\"If the project has received support from any of these stakeholder organizations, describe the nature of the support (e.g. verbal, written, financial, etc.) and commitments that the project has made to the organization that provided the support.\" \n\nMy understanding is that general letters of support may not be submitted so I'd like to clarify whether there is value in describing \"written\" support from stakeholders, such as local governments, renewable energy generation projects, etc., in the application?\n\n\"Letters of Support\" are mentioned again in that section. We are to report \"Outcome of Engagement\"  that includes \"Letters of Support.\"","Please follow the instructions in the provided CBP template to describe the support of your project from any of the specified stakeholder organizations (e.g., verbal, written, financial, etc.).  See also Section IV of the FOA for (required) letters of commitment and (encouraged) community partnership documentation.","2024-03-26"]
[261,"The FOA states that letters of commitment may be from labor unions and community-based organizations, as does the community partnership documentation. Can you clarify when one of these types of organizations could provide a letter of commitment instead of a community partnership document? Can you confirm that letters of commitment may describe commitments other than cost sharing? ","Per FOA guidance on Letters of Commitment and Community Partnership Documentation: \n\nSubmit letters of commitment from all subrecipient and third-party cost share providers.\n\nSubmit Community Partnership Documentation (in support of the Community Benefits Plan) to demonstrate existing or planned partnerships with community entities.\n\nReference Sections IV.D.iv and IV.D.v of the FOA.","2024-03-26"]
[262,"We received several questions from Applicants requesting to speak with the Department to obtain more information on the \"Discourage\" determination. ","As this is a competitive announcement, the Department cannot speak to interested parties.  \n\nThe information contained in the Concept Paper Determination letter constitutes the sole debriefing the DOE will provide with regard to your Concept Paper.  The Concept Paper Determination letter provides feedback for discouraged Concept Papers regarding which review criteria contributed to the discouragement of the project and thereby merit improvement. For Concept Papers that were encouraged, the Concept Paper Determination Letter identifies which review criteria - if any - would benefit from improvement by the applicant. The Department has also provided a Program Update webinar [LINK] to provide all potential applicants with additional overarching advice and feedback regarding the application process. \n\nBy discouraging the submission of a Full Application, DOE intends to convey its lack of programmatic interest in the proposed project. Such assessments do not necessarily reflect judgments on the merits of the proposed project. The purpose of the Concept Paper phase is to save applicants the considerable time and expense of preparing a Full Application that is unlikely to be selected for award negotiations.  Reference Section VI of the FOA.\n\nReceipt of a discouragement notification for your Concept Paper does not prohibit your organization from submitting a full application in accordance with the instructions and requirements contained within the FOA by the due date/time specified on the FOA cover page.                                                                           ","2024-03-26"]
[263,"We received several questions from Applicants requesting more information on the comments (if any) in the Concept Paper Determination letter.  ","The information contained in the Concept Paper Determination letter constitutes the sole debriefing the DOE will provide with regard to your Concept Paper.  ","2024-03-26"]
[264,"Is battery storage considered \"new generation?\" What about small-scale solar in the context of a microgrid for a community resilience hub?","Reference Questions 61 and 195.","2024-03-26"]
[265,"I am part of a topic area 3 proposal with multiple subrecipients. Does each subrecipients need to submit a budget justification workbook?","Applicants must provide a separate budget justification for each subrecipient that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25 percent of the total work effort (whichever is less).  Reference Section IV of the FOA.","2024-03-26"]
[266,"Hello, the submission deadline for Topic 2 on the exchange website is still showing April 17, 2024 instead of May 22, 2024 as stated in the FOA. Will this be changed in the website and will we be able to submit April 17, 2024?","The application closing date in Exchange (April 17, 2024 5 pm ET) is for Topic Area 1 and 3 applications only.  Within ~1 week after that closing date, Exchange will be “re-opened” to reflect the Topic Area 2 closing date.","2024-03-26"]
[267,"Today, we received several encouragement letters for GRIP-II Concept Papers. Thank you.\n\nBefore we move forward on preparing the applications, we have been asked the following three questions. In the event of an award:\n1.\tMust the awardee competitively solicit construction entity?\n2.\tMust the awardee competitively solicit design / engineer / CM / CI entity?\n3.\tMust the awardee competitively solicit grants compliance entity?\n\nIf you can answer these questions, it would be appreciated.\nIf these questions should be submitted another way, please let me know how.\n","Reference Question 221.","2024-03-26"]
[268,"One slide says letters of support are acceptable - the FOA says that letters of support are specifically NOT asked for. Has this changed? Slide 15 of the slides presented by GDO alludes to information on support which is contrary to the FOA.\n","Any information that appears discrepant from the FOA language is superseded by the FOA language. Note that Section IV.D.iv of the FOA states, \"Letters of support or endorsement for the project from entities that do not have a substantive role in the project are not required nor desired.\"","2024-03-26"]
[269,"\"I am emailing on behalf of the Louisiana cooperative coalition, who was recently encouraged to submit a full application under GRIP Round 2. On the webinar from earlier this week, it was mentioned that new generation could not be submitted under Topic Area 1, and we had two questions:\n\n1.\tWe assume (but wanted to confirm) that this prohibition would extend to small-scale solar as one component of a community resilience hub / micro-grid. Can you confirm?\n2.\tWe assume (but wanted to confirm) that this prohibition would not extend to small-scale battery storage as one component of a community resilience hub / micro-grid. The batteries would be interconnected to the cooperatives’ distribution systems and the cooperatives’ members would realize all benefits of the batteries, particularly those who reside in the disadvantaged communities where the batteries would be located. These would not be transmission-interconnected batteries, but would instead provide distribution-level backup power during hurricanes and other major events for certain entities representing critical community infrastructure. Can you confirm this application is okay under Topic Area 1?\"","\"1. Yes. Small-scale solar as described would be considered construction of a new electricity generating facility. \n2. Battery storage is not used in the creation of electricity and therefore not subject to the \"\"new elecric generating facility\"\" eligibility restriction. As stated in Section I.B.i of the FOA, a new large-scale\nbattery-storage facility that is not used for enhancing system adaptive capacity during disruptive events is not eligible for funding under Topic Area 1.\nPlease note, DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. \"","2024-04-08"]
[270,"Can the project partners and federal funding requested be changed in the application from what was submitted in the concept paper?","Reference Question 243.","4/1//2024"]
[271,"Thank you for your time and assistance. Please see the below questions.\n1.\tFOA Page 50 - Workplan - Project Management - The roles and responsibilities of each project team member\na.\tQuestion: Can you please expand on who all should be included? We have multiple large teams covering a diverse range of project factors. We are currently outlining team leads and their responsibilities. \n2.\tFOA Page 97 – Go/No Go – Sub Projects\na.\tQuestion: In managing a project composed of multiple sub-projects, is the decision-making process designed to evaluate the entire initiative as a single go/no-go decision, or is it structured to assess each sub-project individually for go/no-go status, taking into account their interdependencies and collective impact on overarching project objectives?\n\n","1.\tApplicants must provide the roles and responsibilities for each key project team member.  See Section IV and Criterion 2 in Section V.A.ii of the FOA. The FOA does not further define \"project team member.\" \n\n2.\tDecision is on the overall effort (including sub-recipients, if applicable).  See also the pre-continuation briefing section of the SOPO template in Appendix D of the FOA.","4/1//2024"]
[272,"Please find the below two questions for this FOA:\n1.\tThe FOA outlines for Topic Area 3 that grants are expected to be awarded over a 60-96 month period. The subrecipient budget justification document has \"years 1-5\" in the title. We request OCED modify the form to add years beyond year 5, as they did state that the anticipated funding period goes out to year 8. This will then enable us to input costs across 8 years.\n2.\tThe FOA says that in the technical volume you need to provide a few sentences explaining whether or not you expect to need to use non-U.S. made iron/steel/etc. The FOA also says that if a project is selected for funding, the project can submit a waiver after that point. But in the FAQs, there's a reference to DOE wanting applicants to include a waiver with the full application (Q&A, Question #33, Provided on 12/22/2023). We are requesting clarification on this. \n\nReference: Appendix C, Page 122: If an applicant or recipient is seeking a waiver of the Buy America requirements, it may submit a waiver request after it has been notified of its selection for award negotiations.","1. Applicants should propose budget periods consistent with the proposed project and the Period of Performance in FOA Section II.A. See also the Technical Volume Content Requirements in FOA Section IV.D, which defines a budget period as 12-18 months. As stated in FOA Section IV.D.vii, applicants may submit multiple budget files as needed.\n\n\n2.\tConsistent with Appendix C of the FOA document, if applicable, within the first two pages of the workplan, applicants must provide a short statement on whether the project will involve the construction, alteration, and/or repair of infrastructure in the United States.  The ultimate determination about whether a project includes infrastructure remains with DOE, but the applicant’s statement will assist project planning and integration of domestic preference requirements, which may impact the project’s proposed budget. If an applicant or recipient is seeking a waiver of the Buy America requirements, it may submit a waiver request after it has been notified of its selection for award negotiations. A correction to the response to Question 33 has been issued.  ","4/1//2024"]
[273,"Is there a specific range of months that the performance period or budget period has to be (i.e. a performance or budget period can be between 12-18 months)? Does payment from the DOE depend on the budget period or are payments from DOE made on a regular cadence (i.e. quarterly)?","DOE anticipates making awards with a maximum length from 60 months for projects under Topic Areas 1 and 2 up to 96 months for Topic Area 3, comprised of one or more budget periods.   Reference Period of Performance in Section II.  See also the Technical Volume Content Requirements in FOA Section IV.D, which defines a budget period as 12-18 months. If selected for award, the payment approach will be determined during negotiations, but in general, reimbursement requests, for work completed in support of the project, can be submitted no more frequently than every 2 weeks. See also Question 272.","4/1//2024"]
[274,"What constitutes a multi-utility project? Is it a project with a utility that crosses jurisdictions, like states; a project with different utilities that are connected directly together; or a project with multiple utilities that may or may not be connected?","The FOA does not utilize or define the term \"multi-utility project\". As stated in the FOA, for Topic Area 1, DOE seeks projects that, e.g., aggregate resilience efforts across multiple service territories, and projects that cover multiple utility service territories and will evolve and share utility best practices. For Topic Area 2, DOE seeks projects that Projects that are structured to de-risk broad adoption of innovative technologies and approaches by including participation of multiple eligible entities (especially multiple grid operators) and a clear strategy for assessing the benefits of the proposed innovations, and applications that have the potential to impact multiple utility services territories and reflect a high level of coordination among partners. See Section I.B of the FOA.","4/1//2024"]
[275,"My company is partnering with an applicant to the GRIP grant and we were seeking clarification regarding the Current and Pending Support document for the full application. As a cooperative, our client has no individuals engaged in research, development, or demonstration that the Current and Pending Support document is usually associated with. If there are no other sources of support for the current project besides internal funding and in the future an award from this grant, is this document necessary? Any additional detail on what the purpose of this document is for this application and/or how to complete it would be helpful. The instructions in the FOA are unclear.","This is a required application document.  If there is no information to report, the applicant can document that in their current and pending file along with the required certification statements from the PI's and senior/key personnel.  Reference Section IV of the FOA. ","4/1//2024"]
[276,"I’m writing to you today to inquire about DOE funding opportunities for microgrid projects, as we are currently developing a fully behind-the-meter solar+battery project in Levelland, Texas.  We have already started deploying capital into the project, which looks to install 22 MW-dc solar and 97 MWh-dc Li-ion battery capacity, and we wanted to see if we might be eligible for federal funding given the overall cost profile and scale of the project.\n\nIf possible, we’d love to speak to a DOE representative focused on microgrid funding opportunities.  Even if our project might not be a perfect fit for grid resiliency funding, etc., we’d still appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn more about the various opportunities available under DOE (and potentially elsewhere within the federal government).\n\nThanks very much, and we look forward to hopefully speaking soon.","As this is a competitive announcement, the Department cannot speak to interested parties about this competitive announcement. The Grid Deployment Office manages a variety of funding programs. Parties interested in learning more about those programs are encouraged to use the Grid and Transmission Conductor tool (https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-and-transmission-program-conductor) to identify which programs may be suitable for their project. Once those programs have been identified, parties may be able to contact GDO representative to discuss programs in more detail provided that those programs do not have open competitive funding announcements.  Entities seeking financial assistance, can review open Funding Opportunity Announcements in www.grants.gov. ","4/1//2024"]
[277,"I have a few clarifying questions regarding Community Benefits Plan items. In addition to being in the CBP itself, please confirm:\n\n1)\tShould Community Benefits Plan commitments and activities be included in the SOPO as project tasks?\n2)\tShould CBP milestones be incorporated into the milestone table in the Workplan of the Technical Volume?\n3)\tShould CBP tasks/milestones be incorporated into the overall project schedule in the Workplan of the Technical Volume?\nI have a few clarifying questions regarding Community Benefits Plan items. In addition to being in the CBP itself, please confirm:\n\n1)\tShould Community Benefits Plan commitments and activities be included in the SOPO as project tasks?\n2)\tShould CBP milestones be incorporated into the milestone table in the Workplan of the Technical Volume?\n3)\tShould CBP tasks/milestones be incorporated into the overall project schedule in the Workplan of the Technical Volume?\n","Please see FOA Modification 000003 issued Feb. 27, 2024. This modification includes important updates, including a new, required Community Benefits Plan (CBP) template, which is available on Exchange and Grants.gov. The template includes a Community Benefits Objectives & Outcomes (CBOO) milestone table (see Section F).\n  \n1. Yes, a standard CBP task was added to the SOPO template in FOA Modification 000003 issued Feb. 27, 202. See Appendix D.\n2. No, CBP tasks do not need to be incorporated into the milestone table in the Workplan. Reference Technical Volume in Section IV. \n3. Yes, CBP tasks should be incorporated into the overall project schedule in the Workplan. The applicant should provide a schedule for the entire project, including task and subtask durations, milestones, and Go/No-Go decision points. Reference Technical Volume in Section IV.","4/1//2024"]
[278,"We have several questions for Topic Area 3, we are hoping you can provide some clarity for: \n\n1. Does the entity submitting an application need to be the owner of all grant funded assets, or is it possible for several members of a project team (i.e. a Utility, A Tribe, etc.) to own assets funded by this grant?\n\n2. Can some aspects of a funded project result in one partner owning some assets and another partner owning other assets?\n\n3. For someone other than the prime applicant to own assets, do they need to be a subaward recipient from the prime applicant or can they be a contracted entity? \n\n4. If the lead applicant owns all assets funded by the grant, is there a time duration that they must maintain ownership of those assets before they can be transferred to a different entity?\n\n5. If a lead applicant is able to transfer assets funded by the grant after a certain period of time, are there any other requirements to be aware of that could impact the transfer of those assets? \n\nThank you, please do not hesitate to reach out with any additional questions. ","1. This is based on your proposed approach and can be a mix amongst the prime recipient and sub-recipient(s). \n2. Yes\n3. Subrecipient.  It is noted that a contractor would provide goods or services that are ancillary to the operation of the Federal program.  Reference 2 CFR 200 Part 331 Subrecipient and contractor determinations.\n4. See #1-2 above and #5 below.\n5. Disposition of assets will be handled in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Part 313 and 2 CFR 910 Part 360.","4/1//2024"]
[279,"The FOA states that all full application documents must be 12 point font, single spaced. It also states that applicants must use DOE's template for the Community Benefits Plan, which uses 11-point Calibri font. Should applicants amend this template to comply with the 12-point font requirement or leave it in its original format? The CBP is limited to 25 pages and is already 21 pages long without any content entered. Increasing font size may make it difficult to include much content in the space allowed.","Applicants should follow the formatting instructions in Section IV which requires Calibri 12-point font. Applicants can either change the template font to Calibri 12-point or access the revised template available Exchange.   Note that the template instructions state \"The instructional textboxes within each section can be removed when submitting the application.\"","4/1//2024"]
[280,"Per FOA section IV.D.xvi, Current and Pending Support is required for each senior/key person. For personnel who have no relevant funding, please confirm that the  Current and Pending Support is not applicable and that  the certification statements would not apply.","Reference Question 275.","2024-04-08"]
[281,"My team and I were recommended to submit a full proposal to this opportunity, however we have a few questions we would like to address. Would it be possible to set up a conference call with one of your representatives for this upcoming Thursday, March 21st? If so then please let me know.","As this is a competitive announcement, DOE cannot speak with applicants regarding their proposed project or questions.","4/1//2024"]
[282,"Is the SF424 Application for Federal Assistance Form required for the full FOA 3195 Application? The form at infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov can not be downloaded. Please update the link for the form.","Reference Question 198.","4/1//2024"]
[283,"Can portions of the Community Benefits Plan and Technical Volume be in landscape rather than portrait orientation? \nWe have reviewed the application content and form requirements identified in Section IV of the FOA, which does not provide an answer to this question. \n","The FOA does not prohibit landscape orientation.","4/1//2024"]
[284,"1. Project periods for Topic Area 3 projects can range from 60-96 months.  Can these extended projects have more than 5 budget periods? Other than the go/no-go decision guidance than budget periods are 12-18 months, are there explicit limitations on the length of each budget period?\n2. The FOA and the budget justification workbooks have contradicting information about requirements for subrecipients and contractors. The FOA states a threshold of $250000 requires a budget justification. The budget justification worksheet puts that amount at $100,000. I’d like to confirm which to follow.\n3. There are two different File Names for the CBP document submission in the FOA: ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_CBenefits (pg. 43, 61) ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_CBP (pg. 56)\n","1. Applicants can propose up to 5 budget periods with a project period of performance that can run from 60 to 96 months in length.  See Period of Performance Table in Section II of the FOA and the budget justification template. As stated in FOA Section IV.D.vii, applicants may submit multiple budget files as needed.\n2. Applicants must provide a separate budget justification for each subrecipient that is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25 percent of the total work effort (whichever is less).  Any content that appears discrepant from the FOA language is superseded by the FOA language.    DOE acknowledges the discrepancy.   The Department at its discretion may (or may not) elect to correct the template in Exchange. Regardless, use of the provided budget justification template (even if an applicant uses the template with the $100,000 threshold) will NOT impact an Applicant's responsiveness/compliance.\n3. DOE acknowledges the discrepancy.  The Department at its discretion may (or may not) elect to correct this discrepancy in a future modification.  Regardless, this will NOT impact an Applicant's responsiveness/compliance as either file name will be accepted.","4/1//2024"]
[285,"I am writing to obtain the webinar schedule for round two applicants.  I was able to participate in the 05MAR24 and 12MAR24 webinar series; however, I was unaware of the 20MAR24 webinar event, and I would like to better understand how I can participate in the follow-on webinars supporting this application process.\n","No further webinars are planned for this FOA. The recording of the March 20 webinar is available at https://www.energy.gov/gdo/events/march-20-grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-critical-compliance. For future webinars and other GRIP information, DOE may notify subscribers to the GRIP email distribution list. To subscribe, visit https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-deployment-office, scroll down and enter your email in the \"Subscribe Now\" box, and ensure the \"Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships\" box is checked under \"Subscription Topics,\" then click Submit.","4/1//2024"]
[286,"Are you able to provide an example of a filled out CBOO to demonstrate the expectations for the number of milestones DOE is looking for? ","An example of a completed CBOO is not available. Note that some examples are provided in the CBP template.","4/1//2024"]
[287,"Do any federal rules apply for competitive or non-competitive methods to select subrecipients and contractors?  Or if a state agency is awarded a grant under this FOA, is the agency allowed to follow their own applicable laws and rules regarding competitive bidding and/or non-compete laws and rules?","Reference Question 221.","4/1//2024"]
[288,"For “Current and Pending Support”, is an entity required to submit any information if no individual falls under the definition of “Current and Pending Support” as identified on page 63 of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships FOA (DE-FOA-0003195)? If so, what information should be included within the “ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_CPS” document?","Applicants are encouraged to review the requirements for the Current and Pending Support.    If an entity does not meet any of the situations described, the submitted file for Current and Pending would indicate that assertion along with the required certification statement.  Reference Section IV. See also Question 275.","4/1//2024"]
[289,"RESERVED","RESERVED","RESERVED"]
[290,"1. Under the Grid Innovation Program how does grant money flow to specific projects from the local government entity to whom a grant may be awarded?\n\n2. For grants under the GRIP Program: \na. at what point in the project cycle is grant money committed from DOE?\nb. When would grant money flow to the awardee (eg, at start of construction/financial closing for the project) and what are typical conditions that would be attached?\nc. Would grant money flow as a lump sum or be spread out over time.  If spread over time, what period of time?\n\n 3. Please confirm that Buy America Act rules would not apply to for profit entities awarded a grant under the GRIP program. \n\n4. Would DOE need to comply with NEPA specific to the project awarded a grant and how would this flange with a project that is not subject to NEPA requirements?","1. The FOA document provides details on contractual requirements for receiving funding under this FOA.  In summary, if selected for award, DOE would obligate Federal funding at the time the financial assistance agreement is made (subject to the availability of appropriated funds).   \n\n2. \na.\tSee response to #1 above.\nb.\tIf selected for award, the financial assistance agreement would contain the award terms and conditions.  See also responses to #1 above and #2c below.\nc.\tThe payment method for projects under this FOA is reimbursement, whereby the recipient incurs the eligible project cost first before submitting an invoice for reimbursement.  Requests for payment may be made not more frequently than every 2 weeks.  During the invoice process, DOE would ensure that expenditures are allowable, allocable, and reasonable, before authorizing payment.  \n\n3. The Buy America requirements of the BIL do not apply to DOE projects in which the prime recipient is a for-profit entity; the requirements only apply to projects whose prime recipient is a “non-Federal entity,” e.g., a State, local government, Indian Tribe, Institution of Higher Education, or nonprofit organization. Subawards should conform to the terms of the prime award from which they flow; in other words, for-profit prime recipients are not required to flow down these Buy America requirements to subrecipients, even if those subrecipients are non-Federal entities as defined above. Conversely, prime recipients which are non-Federal entities must flow the Buy America requirements down to all subrecipients, even if those subrecipients are for-profit entities. Reference Build America Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects in Section IV of the FOA.\n\n\n4. Yes, NEPA requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision-making processes by considering the potential environmental impacts of their proposed actions.  Reference Environmental Review in Accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Section VI of the FOA.","4/1//2024"]
[291,"Tribal Designated Statistical Areas (TDSAs) are statistical geographic areas identified and delineated by the U.S. Census Bureau in partnership with federally recognized tribes that do not have a reservation or off-reservation trust land and are not located in Alaska, Hawaii, or Oklahoma. The primary purpose for delineating a TDSA is to obtain meaningful statistical data for a recognized tribe within a specific geographic area encompassing a substantial concentration of tribal members.  The Energy Justice mapping tool (https://energyjustice.egs.anl.gov/)  identifies TDSAs as disadvantaged communities. For the purposes of the GRIP application and Community Benefits Plan, does the Department of Energy still recognize Tribal Designated Statistical Areas as disadvantaged communities, even if they are not identified as disadvantaged in the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool? ","Disadvantaged communities are defined and identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool pursuant to Executive Order 14008. See Section  I.A.i of the FOA.","4/1//2024"]
[292,"Greetings,\n\nIn Exchange, Under Application Forms and Templates, the very last file is “SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance and SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities:.  This appears duplicative by its file name with the SF424 and SF LLL (both also provided individually/separately in Exchange).\n\n• Upon clicking on the file, does not result in a file download, but takes you to this page https://www.grants.gov/forms/forms-repository/sf-424-family\nthat states, \"Warning status NOTE: The PDF forms available on this portion of the site are for sample purposes only and cannot be submitted with your application package.”\n\nIs this last \"file' duplicative and thus can be ignored for the purposes of a complete submission? ","The last item provided a link to Grants.gov in case Applicants wanted to access the form(s) directly from the Grants.gov repository. ","4/1//2024"]
[293,"To Whom It May Concern,  \n1.\tOn page 39 of the FOA, it specifies “Use Calibri typeface, a black font color, and a font size of 12 point or larger (except in figures or tables, which may be 10-point font). However, the required Community Benefits Plan template is in Calibri 11 point. Should we follow the template and use 11 point, or change the template to 12 point?\n2.\tUsing the link provided in the FOA on page 63, we downloaded the document provided by the link. However, it appears to be the instructions for the Current and Pending Support Form, not the form itself. It mentions fields, but there are no fields in the PDF. For example: “Overall Objectives: Provide a brief statement of the overall objectives of the in-kind contribution(s). This field is limited to 1500 characters.” Can a link be provided to the actual form, with active fill-in fields?\n3.\tItem 15 of the SF-424 form requests that applicants \"Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions. We do not find instructions from OCED about what supporting documents to attach. Please clarify.\nThank you for your assistance and clarification.\n","1.\tApplicants should follow the formatting instructions in Section IV which requires Calibri 12-point font.  Applicants can either change the template font to Calibri 12-point or access the revised template available Exchange.  Note that the template instructions state \"The instructional textboxes within each section can be removed when submitting the application.\"\n2.\tThe link provided in the FOA takes you to the “Current and Pending (OTHER) Support Common Form” dated November 1, 2023; albeit it is just the approved “form” format (e.g., there is no actual form to provide).\n3.\tThere are no supporting documents specified in the Grid Deployment Office (GDO) FOA document (DE-FOA-0003195) that need to be attached to the SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance.  See Section IV of the FOA for a complete list of the required full application documents.","4/1//2024"]
[294,"When filling out the environmental questionnaire, how should we account for work in years 3 or 4 of the project, particularly when there are 'unknowns' such as the replacement of poles that are dependent upon an assessment from engineering? In this case, since the specific poles to be replaced in year 3 are not known, how should we accurately fill out the form to reflect this uncertainty? Additionally, could we include a map that outlines the areas where the work is slated to be done, as a means of addressing components of the forms? For instance, if we consider the potential impact on scenic waterways, the answer is likely yes when looking at the big picture, but since we don't have specific details today, how should we accurately respond to those types of questions?","Applicants should provide the level of location detail requested in the environmental questionnaire (City/Township, County, State) to the best of their ability at the time of Full Application submission. \nApplicants may submit maps and other graphics as part of the application's Technical Volume,  please reference Section IV.D.II of the FOA for further details. ","4/1//2024"]
[295,"I wanted to follow up if the DOE would be able to provide clarification on the information required in the Locations of Work template – specifically whether or not the Address column would be required (since the FOA does not indicate we should provide address, while the template includes address).\n\nThank you for any information you can provide on this!\n","Applicants should follow the provided template, which was updated was part of Please see FOA Modification 000003 issued 2/27/24. If the street address is not known, fill in the available information.","4/1//2024"]
[296,"Hope you are having a good start to your week. I looked through the FOA and the FAQ documents, but could not find an answer to our question. The latest version of the FOA requires specific addresses for the locations of work. However, our proposed project for Topic Area #2 funding involves the creation of a Demand Response program where current customers in DACs can opt in for free. That being said, we do not know which customers will be opting into the program until the project begins, so we do not have specific addresses for these locations – it will require the installation of additional equipment on their already installed AMI meters, so there will be some work at their address once they opt in. For this portion of the project where we will not have those specific addresses until after the start of the project, how are we to handle that part of the application? Should we list the address of our main building where the engineering and design work will be conducted and our customer service employees that will be handling the sign up process are located? We just need guidance on how DOE prefers Locations of Work being submitted for a project of this nature.\n\nIf I missed the answer to this in one of the above documents, I do sincerely apologize. We appreciate your time and consideration of our question and look forward to your response.\n","If the street address is not known, fill in the available information. ","4/1//2024"]
[297,"Hello Director Robinson and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Bumgarner, \n \nI am writing about the upcoming application deadline for the second round of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program grants. After receiving a Letter of Encouragement from GDO on February 29th for a Topic Area 3 concept paper, we have found an increased level of interest from partners seeking to join the application and broader project. The addition of these potential partners would de-risk the project, and the Letter of Encouragement has significantly accelerated existing conversations with these folks. Executing the teaming agreements in the ~6 weeks between receiving the letter and the April 17 deadline for Topic Area 3 will be difficult, and it may result in our inability to fully leverage the GRIP program to bring these partners in for the full application and the broader project for the deadline. With this in mind, we are wondering whether any consideration could be given to aligning the Topic Area 3 deadline to match the GRIP Topic Area 2 deadline of May 22.\n \nPlease let me know if you have any questions or if additional details would be helpful.\n","While we do not anticipate extending the deadline, applicants may include in their application potential teaming arrangements, partnerships, or other agreements that are in progress. We encourage applicants to provide plans, next steps, and expected timelines for the execution of any agreements. See also Question 232. ","4/1//2024"]
[298,"I participated in the March 12 webinar on the GRIP program and believe I heard one of the presenters say that it would not matter if the primary applicant listed in a concept paper that received encouragement from DOE was removed or otherwise changed for the final application. I would like clarification on this point because our company is currently part of two separate (and unrelated) application teams - we are the lead applicant on one and a sub or secondary applicant on another. \nFor the application on which we are lead, we recently learned that our partner company may not be able to participate in the final application. If we remove them and/or replace them with a separate partner, or simply add a second partner, will that necessarily affect the strength of our final application or will DOE still assess it based on the merits of the project itself?\nFor the other application, we are a sub to a much larger company and consortium. We may have to drop off the team if our participation ends up being a conflict with another federal program under which we could receive funds for similar work. We don't feel our absence would in any way diminish the integrity of the consortium's proposal, but we want to make sure we wouldn't be creating a problem if we were listed in their concept paper but then not part of the final application. \nAny general guidance you may have on the agency's view of these types of changes between the concept paper and final application would be much appreciated.\n","Reference Question 236 and  Question 259 ","2024-04-01"]
[299,"Proactive and meaningful engagement with stakeholders is needed to ensure their perspectives can be incorporated into the project plan. Travel support for team members would allow for such engagement with local communities and is critical to the success of the project, but Page 19 of the FOA lists a number of items that are NOT eligible for funding under Topic Area 2 including \" (7) Expenditures for travel, lodging, meals, or other personal costs\". Can you clarify the prohibition of travel expenses under Topic 2? Is it possible to include a budget for travel for the CB experts on the project as an exception?","The prohibition for TA2 is on personal travel costs, not on official travel costs for the project which are “necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award.  For addtional information please see 2 CFR 200.403(a).","2024-04-01"]
[300,"Can you confirm that Community Partnership organizations will only need to provide Community Partnership Documentation, and not the rest of the listed documents for subrecipients?","Correct. In support of the Community Benefits Plan, applicants are encouraged to submit documentation to demonstrate existing or planned partnerships with community entities, such as organizations that work with local stakeholders most vulnerable to or affected by the project.   Reference Community Partnership Documentation in Section IV.","2024-04-01"]
[301,"The favor of responses to four clarifying questions regarding the eligible primary applicant for Topic Area 3 is greatly appreciated.\n\nThe FOA states for Topic Area 3, the eligible recipient entities are: \n• a State; \n• a combination of 2 or more States; \n• an Indian Tribe; \n• a unit of local government; and \n• a public utility commission. (PUC)\n\nQuestion 1: Can you confirm that at public local utility (Municipal Lighting Plant - MLP) is an eligible unit of local government?\n\nQuestion 2:  Does the word \"and\" along with its placement on the same line with \"a unit of local government\" indicate that a PUC must be one of the receipts or somehow associated with a unit of local government or that a PUC is just one of the eligible entities?\n\nQuestion 3: We intend to submit an application involving 10 regional MLPs.  Can the lead applicant be a Non-Profit Cooperative entity owned by MLPs or must it come explicitly through one of the MLPs?\n\nQuestion 4:  Does the listed Principal Investigator have to be a direct employee of the applicant or can it be a contracted individual?\n\nWe look forward to responses to these questions at your earliest convenience.\n\n","1.\tDOE does not make eligibility determinations in advance of the receipt of full applications.   Entity type will be verified on the SF 424 Application and the entity’s SAM registration. \n2.\tPUC is just one of the eligible entities.\n3.\tThe lead applicant must be one of the eligible entities.\n4.  Yes, the principal investigator (PI) must be a direct employee of the applicant. Applicants may propose a co-PI, if needed.","2024-04-01"]
[302,"Is there a firm project end date or required date funds must be encumbered for Topic Area 3 projects?","No; however, if selected for award, selectees would manage the costs in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award within the established period of performance of the award. The period of performance for Topic Area 3 is 60-96 months; see Section II.A.ii.","2024-04-01"]
[303,"We would like further clarity on the response to Question 161 posted in the Q&A response. If a project has multiple subrecipients/sub-projects that are eligible to provide cost share, why are those entities restricted from contributing to the total resiliency spend? We find this in conflict since that restricts the overall ask of the prime and potentially excludes subrecipients from participating. What is the reason why a subrecipient can provide cost share but not contribute towards resiliency spend total?","Please see updated response to Question 161.","2024-04-01"]
[304,"As latest Q&A response did not include this question, I wanted to resubmit it as well as a few others:\n\n1.)\tWe would like further clarity on the response to Question 161 posted in the Q&A response. If a project has multiple subrecipients/sub-projects that are eligible to provide cost share, why are those entities restricted from contributing to the total resiliency spend? We find this in conflict since that restricts the overall ask of the prime and potentially excludes subrecipients from participating. What is the reason why a subrecipient can provide cost share but not contribute towards resiliency spend total?\n2.)\tIs there any flexibility or alternative opportunities for small utilities that are just above the 4 MWH threshold and can’t offer a 50% cost share?\n\nFurthermore, the latest FOA updates (2/27) has changes that initiated questions on our end:\n3.)\tPg. 80 added a criterion that for Topic 1, projects must align with and be “additive to the resilience investments described by applicant in the Report on Resilience.” We find this prohibitive to some of the most needy applicants who are seeking this funding specifically because they have been unable to address resiliency upgrades in the past. How would you like applicants who have been unable to fund similar needed resiliency projects in the past to address this question? Are they going to be penalized compared to better funded applicants? ","1. Please see updated response to Question 161. \n2. No, 42 USC § 18711(h)(2) states that \"An eligible entity that  sells not more than 4,000,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year shall be required to match 1/3 of the amount of the grant.\"  For other opportunities, the Grid and Transmission Program Conductor (https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-and-transmission-program-conductor) can help projects find transmission and grid resilience financing programs. Entities seeking financial assistance can review open Funding Opportunity Announcements at www.grants.gov. See also Question 108.\n3. Per FOA guidance within the Topic Area 1 Requirements, these grants are intended to be supplemental to existing hardening efforts being made by the eligible entity- and are guided by the requirements in 42 USC § 18711(c)(1)(A). ","2024-04-01"]
[305,"\"I have the following questions I would appreciate your immediate support with (I still haven't received a response from my previous questions submitted 2 weeks ago, which is negatively impacting proposal development):\n•\tCan you confirm that each key team member from Subrecipient organizations will need to provide Resumes, Letters of Commitment, Subrecipient Budget Justification, SF-LLL, and CPS forms?\n•\tCan you confirm that Community Partnership organizations will only need to provide Community Partnership Documentation, and not the rest of the listed documents above?\n•\tIs there a firm project end date or required date funds must be encumbered for Topic Area 3 projects?\n•\tDoes the Report on Resilience Investments need to show each past/future 3 year of investments, or is aggregated total investments of the past/future 3 years acceptable?\n•\tConfidentiality Requirements - With the 2 separate versions of the TV, are we allowed to upload more than 1 document in the portal for the TV? Or is there another upload category for the duplicate Confidential version? Which version should be the main document uploaded (Confidential vs Nonconfidential version)?\n•\tWhere should we put control number on all files? Upper right hand corner okay?\"","• Bullet 1 – See Question 211\n• Bullet 2 - See Question 300\n• Bullet 3 - See Question 302\n• The report must summarize any program and related approved funding that the applicant’s organization has implemented over the past 3 years to reduce the likelihood of events in which operations of the electric grid are disrupted, preventively shut off, or cannot operate safely due to extreme weather, wildfire, or a natural disaster. The report must also summarize current and future efforts planned over at least the next 3 years to reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events.   Reference Sections I and IV of the FOA.\n• Applicants should not include trade secrets or business-sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential information in their application unless such information is necessary to convey an understanding of the proposed project or to comply with a requirement in the FOA.  If an applicant chooses to submit trade secrets or business-sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential information, the applicant must provide two copies of the technical volume (and both copies can be uploaded in Exchange). The first copy should be marked “non-confidential,” with the information believed to be confidential deleted. The second copy should be marked “confidential” and must clearly and conspicuously identify the trade secrets or business-sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential information and must be marked appropriately.  Failure to comply with these marking requirements may result in the disclosure of the unmarked information under the Freedom of Information Act or otherwise. Please reference the guidance in “Treatment of Application Information” in Section VIII of the FOA.\n• The FOA document not does prescribe a specific location; albeit the Applicant should ensure all Full Application documents are marked with the control number issued to the applicant.  Reference Section IV.","2024-04-08"]
[306,"\"I have the following questions I would appreciate your immediate support with (I still haven't received a response from my previous questions submitted 2 weeks ago, which is negatively impacting proposal development):\n•\tLOC - Is the purchase of land agreement allowable as cost share? If not allowable as cost share dollars, could the partner still be listed as a subrecipient?• CPS - If a team member oversees many employees on a multitude of projects, do they need to list those projects as well, or only state/federal projects they are directly working on/contributing to?\n• CPS Letter Certification - Can one authorized representative sign for the rest of the team members from the same organization?\n• Foreign Entity/Materials - Is the waiver needed for Applicants or project partners/subrecipients included in the budget that are purchasing materials or equipment made overseas? Is this not needed if they are just purchasing equipment or materials outright?\n• Transparency of Foreign Connections - Is this reserved for the Applicant alone, or also the subrecipients?\"","\"•\tYes, the FOA does not restrict the purchase of land.\n•\tIdentify all sponsored activities, awards, and appointments, whether paid or unpaid; provided as a gift with terms or conditions or provided as a gift without terms or conditions; full-time, part-time, or voluntary; faculty, visiting, adjunct, or honorary; cash or in-kind; foreign or domestic; governmental or private-sector; directly supporting the individual’s research or indirectly supporting the individual by supporting students, research staff, space, equipment, or other research expenses. All connections with foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs must also be identified.  Reference Section IV of the FOA.\n•\tPrincipal Investigator(s) and senior/key personnel must provide a separate disclosure statement listing the information required in the FOA (see Current and Pending Support in Section IV of the FOA.  Further, each individual must sign and date their respective disclosure statement and include the respective certification statement.  Reference Section IV of the FOA.\n•\tIn general, whether a given project must apply the Build America Buy America Requirements for Infrastructure Projects is dependent on several factors (including the recipient’s entity type).  Please review the BABA requirements in the FOA document in Section IV and Appendices B&C. After review, if this does not address your concern, please clarify your specific concern and re-submit your question to FOA3195@netl.doe.gov.\n•\tBoth; Applicants must provide the Transparency of Foreign Connections information as it relates to the proposed recipient and subrecipients.  Reference Transparency of Foreign Connections in Section IV of the FOA.\"","2024-04-08"]
[307,"Furthermore, the latest FOA updates (2/27) has changes that initiated questions on our end:\n\n4.)\tAddition of address to Locations of Work – can you explain why this is necessary? This is infeasible on almost all projects we are engaged on due to the very nature of GRIP – these are line and pole replacements or equipment additions (reclosers, capacitors, etc.) across huge sections of line. There are not specific addresses as these can run through multiple cities and counties.  We were struggling to identify cities as previously requested, especially given the rural nature of some locations. Can you address what should be provided in these instances where an address doesn’t exist?\n\n\nFinally, can you explain the process for selection of questions for response? Our teams have submitted many questions since the November opening date that have gone unanswered.\n\n","If the street address is not known, fill in the available information. \n\nThe FOA team is working diligently to address questions as promptly as able.","2024-04-08"]
[308,"Can you please provide guidance on filling out the environmental questionnaire? How do you do the questionnaire for each project location if there’s hundreds of locations? E.g., if you’re replacing 1,000 poles, do you fill out one questionnaire for 1,000 and use the worst offending pole OR do you do hundreds of EQs OR do you do one per sub recipient for all of their projects?","The granularity of detail requested in the environmental questionnaire should allow applicants to include multiple project actvities per environmental questionnaire in occasions such as those described in this question. Supporting information such as maps can be provided as attachments.\n\nPer instructions in item II.A.8 of the environmental questionnaire, each subcontractor or sub-recipient must have an individual environmental questionnaire for all other work locations.\n\nAlso, reference Question 183.","2024-04-08"]
[309,"The Environmental Questionnaire template has a very small character limit. Many projects involve projects over hundreds of miles of area and there will be a significant variety in environmental considerations to report as a result. Can the DOE please post a version of the questionnaire that has larger text boxes or options to enter more text? It will not be possible to fully respond to each question within the allotted character limits.","Multiple Environmental Questionnaires may be submitted, and supporting information may be provided as attachments.","2024-04-08"]
[310,"Pre-Award Costs Questions:\nIs there a cap on pre-award costs? If so, what is the cap? \nIn addition to requesting written approval what other steps are required? \nWhen would pre-award costs be reimbursed? \nBesides requesting written approval, what is the process for reimbursement?\n\nPre-Award Costs (FOA)\nApplicants selected for award negotiations (selectee) must request prior written approval to charge pre-award costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the federal award directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding\nagency, through the DOE Contracting Officer.\n","Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the federal award; directly pursuant to the negotiation; and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency, through the DOE Contracting Officer. Reference Pre-Award Costs in Section IV of the FOA. If selected for award, pre-award costs would be discussed during negotiations. DOE does not guarantee or assume any obligation to reimburse pre-award costs.  If the DOE Contracting Officer approves pre-award costs, they would be eligible for reimbursement AFTER the award is made. Pre-award expenditures are made at the selectee’s risk.\n\nThe FOA does not specify a cap on pre-award costs.  DOE cannot authorize pre-award costs that would have an adverse effect on the environment.  Reference NEPA requirements related to Pre-Award costs in Section IV of the FOA.  Additionally, DOE generally does not allow pre-award costs for either cost share or reimbursement when these costs precede the signing of the appropriation bill that funds the award. In the case of a competitive award, DOE generally does not allow pre-award costs prior to the signing of the Selection Statement by the DOE Selection Official.  Reference Appendix A of the FOA.","2024-04-08"]
[311,"Community Benefits Plan (CBP) Template Question - For sections B through E, can we provide the content in a table or some other format than the outline and bullet points example provided? ","Applicants should adhere to the format provided in the Community Benefits Plan Template.","2024-04-08"]
[312,"The Department has received some questions about what is considered part of the “applicant organization” with respect to the Report on Resilience Investments and the Project Description and Assurances Document (PDAD), when a consortium is being proposed.","If prime applicant is a consortium, the investments of its members directly involved in the application are eligible for inclusion in the Report on Resilience Investments and Project Description and Assurances Document (PDAD).  See also Question 161.","2024-04-08"]
[313,"A few questions regarding the latest round of GRIP funding. We've already submitted the appropriate Concept Papers, but are working on some things while we await the decisions for full applications.\n1. For consortium proposals, there's the prime applicant and the partner applicants. Are the consortium partners considered subrecipients? We designated one prime applicant who has partnered with several other electric co-ops as consortium partners, each with project activities under a single proposal.\n2. If they are considered subrecipients, for the budget justification workbooks, does the prime applicant fill out the applicant budget workbook and only include its project activities? Then does each consortium partner fill out a subrecipient budget workbook? Or would the consortium partners each fill out an applicant budget workbook?\n\nWe're just trying to get an idea of the preparation needed for a full application.\n","\n1. Consortium members are intended to be project partners to the prime applicant; however, this does not inherently classify them as subrecipients to the prime applicant.  Prime applicant is responsible for determining the appropriate role of project partners, whether consortium members, subrecipient, or contractor.  See 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart D.  \n2. For budgeting, the consortium partner costs are all reflected within each specific budget category versus contractual.  For example, under the \"Personnel\" worksheet tab of the Budget Justification, the Applicant would list personnel costs for Consortium Member A, Consortium Member B, Consortium Member C, etc., ensuring it is clear which costs is associated with each, so all consortium members are included in the estimated cost for each budget element.","2024-04-08"]
[314,"I know federal loans cannot be used to meet cost match or cost share requirements, but is there any problem with using non-federal loans or debt financing to meet cost share or cost match requirements?","Generally, federal loans, considered non-appropriated funds, may be used as cost share, as long as authorized under the loan terms.  The same applies to non-Federal loans/debt financing.   See also Question 43.  In addition, DOE Loan Guarantees cannot be leveraged by applicants to provide the required cost share.  Reference Cost Share Types and Allowability in Section III of the FOA. ","2024-04-10"]
[315,"Can a project in a GRIP Topic 3 submission use ITC funds in the following manner?  For an example $10M energy storage project, can ITC funds be used to cover 40% or $4M of the project cost, and the remaining $6M split 50% by DOE and 50% by the entity submitting the project (at $3M each)?  ","Reference Questions 34 and 75.","2024-04-08"]
[316,"\"The BIL and FOA prohibit an entity from submitting an application for the same project within the “same application cycle” at both the state and federal level (40101(d)), (40101(d)).  How is the term “application cycle” applied?  More specifically, since DOE is on its second round funding opportunity, if a state is simultaneously in the process of accepting applications for the state’s first round of funding, does that count as the same application cycle?  I have reviewed the FAQ’s page on the DOE website and this specific issue is not addressed.  The information from the FAQ’s is pasted below.\n\nCan applicants apply for funding from both the Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants (40101(c)) and Grid Resilience Formula Grants (40101(d)) within the same application cycle? \nAn eligible entity is not allowed to submit the same application for a grant under IIJA Section 40101(c) and Section 40101(d) in the same application cycle.  DOE considers a \"\"grant\"\" to have a specific scope (i.e., a unique project).  Accordingly, an eligible entity may not submit a grant application with the same scope under both Sections 40101(c) and 40101(d) in the same application cycle.  Eligible entities can submit applications to both Sections 40101(c) and 40101(d) in the same application cycle as long as they are separate scopes of work that address different resilience measures. If an applicant is submitting an application to both the GRIP FOA 2740 application [40101(c)] and the ALRD FOA 2736 [40101(d)], the applicant will be required to describe the differences between the applications in Appendix F, Item 5 of the Project Description and Assurances Document Template (PDAD). \"","Regardless of the application cycle/round, an eligible entity cannot submit the same application/with same scope under both an open 40101(c) FOA and an open 40101(d) solicitation.","2024-04-08"]
[317,"We are working with cooperatives who serve electric power to tribes. The Tribes have 40101(d) grants under their SAM.gov account. Would a cooperative who serves power to the tribe (a separate organization with their own SAM.gov account) be able to apply for a GRIP grant in the same cycle as long as the scope is not the same as the tribe’s grant? \n \nIt seems to me this is allowed, but I want to double check. Here is the alrd reference in question:\n\n **\nBIL Section 40101(d), DE-FOA-0002736 (ALRD 2736). Per BIL section 40101(e)(2) (C) APPLICATION LIMITATIONS. —An eligible entity may not submit an application for a grant provided by the Secretary under subsection (c) and a grant provided by a State or Indian Tribe pursuant to subsection (d) during the same application cycle.\n \nIf the applicant is a subawardee/contractor under an application submitted under BIL Section 40101(d), ALRD 2736, the applicant must describe the differences between the subject GRIP FOA 3195 application (40101(c)) and the ALRD 2736 (40101(d)) application in the PDAD","An eligible entity is not allowed to submit the same application for a grant under IIJA Section 40101(c) and Section 40101(d) in the same application cycle. DOE considers a \"grant\" to have a specific scope (i.e., a unique project).  Accordingly, an eligible entity may not submit a grant application with the same scope under both Sections 40101(c) and 40101(d) in the same application cycle.  \nThis restriction applies to grant applications by the same eligible entity with the same scope. This restriction does not apply to applications submitted by different eligible entities and/or with separate/unique scopes. See also Question 316.","2024-04-08"]
[318,"“Teaming Arrangements” section on page 14 that “any other relevant entity as determined by the Secretary” may be an eligible applicant under this Topic Area 1. Are statewide cooperatives for rural electric cooperatives eligible entities?\"","Reference Question 67.","2024-04-08"]
[319,"Please find below three questions we would like to ask pertaining to DE-FOA-0003195 (GRIP)\n\nThank you.\n\n\n1.\tFor GRIP Topic Areas 1 and 3, under DOE’s cost sharing rules, is the investment tax credit considered a source “not originally derived from federal funds?” Is the answer the same if the award recipient is eligible and applies for elective pay tax credits?\n\n2.\tFor GRIP Topic Areas 1 and 3, under DOE’s cost sharing rules, could a DOE award recipient provide cost share with its organizational resources in the form of cash funds and then later apply for the investment tax credit to offset a portion of its own costs without violating DOE cost sharing rules? Is the answer the same if the award recipient is eligible and applies for elective pay tax credits? \n\n3.\tBased on treasury guidance, an eligible organization makes an election for the elective pay tax credit after a project is placed in service (IRS Elective Pay and Transferability Frequently Asked Questions: Elective Pay Q18 and Q26: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/elective-pay-and-transferability-frequently-asked-questions-elective-pay). For GRIP Topic Areas 1 and 3, because cost share must be demonstrated at the time of application, can DOE confirm that as long as the applicant is applying its own cash funds to meet cost share requirements, DOE cost sharing rules would not be violated if an award recipient later applies for the investment tax credit for a DOE-funded project after it is placed in service? Is the answer the same if the award recipient is eligible and applies for elective pay tax credits?\n","Consistent with Section I.B.i for Topic Area 2 investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, are not eligible for Smart Grid grant funding under Topic Area 2. No such prohibition exists for Topic Area 1 or 3.  ","2024-04-08"]
[320,"The following is a question related to FOA DE-FOA-0003195:\n\n1. The FOA for the Department of the Interior – Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development, per section 80003, Tribal Electrification Program (TEP) Inflation Reduction Act Program states the following: \"All funds provided under funding agreements entered into pursuant to this chapter, and all funds provided under contracts or grants made pursuant to this chapter, shall be treated as non-Federal funds for purposes of meeting matching requirements under any other Federal law.\" Can you confirm that TEP funding from this award would be an eligible source of non-federal match funding for DE-FOA-0003195?\n","While the TEP funding may be considered non-Federal funds for the purposes of cost share/match, such use would need to be authorized under the TEP award.","2024-04-08"]
[321,"Based on the responses to questions 160 and 161, would this narrative change for the report on resiliency investments if all entities involved cover multiple service territories (which would include multiple regions within more than one state) and are all considered ‘eligible’ applicants? Essentially, if an entity is a sub-recipient on our project, but could be considered an eligible ‘prime’ recipient if they applied on their own, could we then include their prior three years of resiliency investments if we can provide granular details around the prime and sub-recipients? \n\nUnder DOE’s priority investment areas for GRIP, multiple service territory projects are highly encouraged. This potential restriction of not being able to include other utility’s (sub-recipient’s) resiliency investments within their service territories significantly restricts the impact of DOE’s funding to multiple areas. We would like additional clarification on this matter, primarily to determine if all sub-recipients qualify as an eligible entity, can their prior three years be aggregated with the prime recipient’s prior three year investments. \n\n","Please see updated responses to Questions 160 and 161.","2024-04-08"]
[322,"I was sitting in on the webinar and was curious if by accepting the GRIP grant, you also waive your ability to gain investment tax credits on the private match. To be more specific, If my organization were to be awarded $10 million for battery deployment and we matched that contribution privately for a total of $20 million, would we waive our ability to claim tax credits on our $10 million private match? Or are we just not allowed to claim tax credits on the $10 million of government dollars? Thanks for your help.","DOE cannot provide tax advice. ","2024-04-08"]
[323,"In calculating the “total amount of qualifying resilience investments that has been spent for the previous 3 years,\" may funding that was reimbursed by FEMA be included in the total?","Federal funding/reimbursement cannot be included in the “spent for the previous 3 years” total.  Cost-shared funds may be included. ","2024-04-08"]
[324,"If a coop/utility receives FEMA funding and/or federal reimbursement for resilience work they completed on their system, can this be claimed in the past 3-year spend in the Report on Resilience?","Reference Question 323.","2024-04-08"]
[325,"Do the expectations vary for coalition applications for the multi-utility exception and are subrecipients held to the same standard as prime applicants?","See Question 313.","2024-04-08"]
[326,"Thank you for the opportunity to submit this question regarding clarification I’m seeking on the Location(s) of Work requirement. \n\nThe FOA indicates in Section D, subpart xix (Locations of Work) describes the required components of City, State, and zip code + 4 for each location.\n\nQuestion #83 in the FAQ (updated 1/11/2024) describes the required components of City, State, and zip code + 4 for each location. \n\nHowever, when I download the template from the eXCHANGE portal, it includes address as a field (column) in addition to city, state, and zip code + 4.\n\nFor some of the impacted locations for projects in the energy industry, a specific address is unavailable. Is it permissible to leave this section blank?\n\nThank you for providing this clarification, it’s much appreciated.\n","Reference Modification 000003 dated 2/27/2024 which clarified that the full address is required (e.g., the applicant must complete the supplied template, which is available on Exchange at https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/, by listing the address, city, state, and zip code + 4 for each location where project work will be performed by the prime recipient or subrecipient(s).). If certain information is not known, fill in the available information. See Question 257. For example, if the project consists of multiple singular addresses, e.g. pole line or multiple singular homes, the applicant may submit the zip code(s) of where work will occur; applicants may also submit maps and other graphics as part of the application's Technical Volume, please reference Section IV.D.II of the FOA for further details. See also Question 245.","2024-04-08"]
[327,"I have a question regarding the environmental questionnaire requirement. The applicant is doing work across 150 miles of lines to replace wood poles, do we need to submit an environmental questionnaire for each pole?\n\n","Reference Questions 183 & 308.","2024-04-08"]
[328,"Can a project that includes Solar/BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) partner with developer to supply the 50% funding and arrange a PPA(power purchasing agreement)/ESSA (Energy Savings Service Agreement) arrangement with the primary recipient for the life of the project?","Although the cost share requirement applies to the project as a whole, including work performed by members of the project team other than the prime recipient, the prime recipient is legally responsible for paying the entire cost share. See FOA Section III.B.i and Appendix A. Also note the period of performance for awards is up to 60 months for Topic Areas 1 and 2 and up to 96 months for Topic Area 3, consisting of one or more budget periods. See FOA Section II.A.ii. Cost share/match is required on a budget period basis. Also note that construction of a new electric generating facility or a new large-scale battery-storage facility that is not used for enhancing system adaptive capacity during disruptive events are NOT eligible for funding under Topic Area 1, see also posted Q61.","2024-04-08"]
[329,"These are questions about A3 on the Community Benefits Plan template. \n1.\tWe have several dozen locations on our Locations of Work document in the application package. Due to the page limit on the CBP template, can we condense our list of locations to the counties that they are included within, but still provide the required information on each? \n2.\tHow would you define “community” for the purposes of this section? Is City, State sufficient? We realize the last question A3(d) is specific to DACs which is different than City, State. \n3.\tFor question A3c on supply or waste life cycle, can you expand upon what information is being requested? Regarding supply, are you asking about the sourcing of construction materials or manufactured products (where they are produced, the communities, etc.)? This wouldn’t be a logical interpretation because the supplies are mostly not being produced within the zone of construction activity, which seems to be the focus of section A3. Can you provide some examples of waste that would be applicable to a grid-related project that could be addressed? \n","1. Locations may be grouped as needed to align with activities in your Community Benefits Plan. Applicants should reference other portions of the application where the full list of locations or other similar data are provided.\n2. Whenever possible, applicants should refer to specific single census tracts or groups of tracts identified as disadvantaged communities using the CEJST tool. City and state are acceptable at minimum. If the locations have other defining or distinguishing characteristics, please include that information as applicable. \n3. To the extent the project scope includes components of the supply or waste life cycle, include that information in Section A.3.c of the Community Benefits Plan.","2024-04-08"]
[330,"The full application requires locations of work to be listed out multiple times throughout the application, for example within the CBP. \"For each location identified in the Location(s) of Work document required with the application submission, please identify each known location served or impacted by the project, including the location(s) of construction or alteration activity listed above, communities geographically near the Applicant’s proposed project, and communities that are part of the proposed project’s supply or waste life cycle (e.g., where raw materials come from, where waste is sent).\" \n\nThis requirement does not account for system wide projects where there can be hundreds of locations of work across a service territory. Applicants completing system wide projects will not be able to complete application requirements within the page limits if required to list out hundreds of locations of work, multiple times. Will applicants be able to answer these parts of the application referencing a system wide project inclusive of all locations of work where identical work is being completed? \n","The granularity of the data required in the Locations of Work documentation is intended to allow applicants to be able to complete application requirements, even for system-wide projects.\n\nSee also questions 83, 183, 257, and 329.","2024-04-08"]
[331,"After reviewing the required community benefit plan template, I have a question related to part A.3. which asks the applicant to list “each location identified in the Location(s) of Work” along with additional information identified by the subpoints. For a consortium application the number of Locations of Work will exceed into the hundreds. It is not feasible to list the requested information in part A.3. within the CBP in the allotted pages. Is it acceptable to summarize the subpoints for the Locations of Work in lieu of listing each location? Alternatively, would the DOE consider adding the subparts of A.3. to the Location(s) of Work spreadsheet instead of in the CBP template.\n\nI will be attending the webinar on March 5th and will also look to the update FAQ when it is released.\n","Reference Question 329.","2024-04-08"]
[332,"It is our understanding that electric cooperatives do not fit within the definition of “Non-Federal Entities” as such term is defined in 2 CFR 200.1, and consequently are (1) exempt from the requirements of the Build America Buy America Act (BABAA), and (2) are not subject to the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200.  Does DOE concur with this conclusion generally, and more specifically in the context of the GRIP program?  If so, then is it correct that electric cooperatives are exempt from the domestic content requirements set forth in the FOA and that the applicable regulations for an electric cooperative under the GRIP program are the DOE-specific regulations in 10 CFR Part 600?  Does the analysis change for an electric cooperative that is a subrecipient of a grant where the entity that is the recipient of such grant is not an electric cooperative (and, if so, how?)?","Reference Section III.A, \"Eligibility Information;\" DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.  Reference Section I.D on Authorizing Statutes, which includes reference to applicable regulations.  ","2024-04-10"]
[333,"As we prepare for the full application deadline, we are considering splitting our projects from concept paper you had encouraged into two separate applications. Is that permissible?","No,  the Control Number assigned to your Concept Paper can only be used to support one application. See Section III.F of the FOA.","2024-04-10"]
[334,"For Topic Area 2 it is noted that travel costs are not allowable under the Smart Grid Investment Matching Grant Program.  Would travel cost be allowable as cost-share, particularly as part of the CBP budget?","Reference Question 291. ","2024-04-10"]
[335,"For the Budget Justification Worksheet, can you provide the most updated guidance on where to find the Sample Rate Proposal to claim fringe costs if there is not a current federally approved rate agreement? The link to a Sample Rate Proposal provided in the Worksheet is http://www1.eere.energy.gov/financing/resources.html, which does not seem to link to a sample rate proposal. ","The link will take you to an EERE sample: https://www.energy.gov/eere/funding/downloads/sample-indirect-rate-proposal-and-profit-compliance-audit.","2024-04-10"]
[336,"Additional question:\n\nSection IV.D.xxi - Transparency of Foreign connections – If a U.S. based company has a completely separate foreign subsidiary that has no control over the parent company and is not part of this grant, is the form still required?\n","There is no exception provided for a “completely separate foreign subsidiary that has no control over the parent”.  The applicant/recipient must notify DOE CO of “[a]ny current or pending subsidiary, foreign business entity, or offshore entity that is based in or funded by any foreign country of risk or foreign entity based in a country of risk” (for applicant/recipient and subrecipients).  It is noted that there are several circumstances in Section IV.D.xxi - Transparency of Foreign connections that may apply to this scenario.","2024-04-10"]
[337,"I have a few questions I would like answered regarding this funding opportunity:\n \n1. In a multi-year program, what is the period of reporting of cost share, e.g., annually?\n2. What is the consequence of missing the cost share?\n3. Would the DOE accept a final cost share at the end of a multi-year program?\n","1. Cost share/match is required to be met on a budget period basis (typically 12-18 months).\n2. If a recipient discovers that it may be unable to provide cost sharing of at least the amount identified in the award, the recipient should immediately provide written notification to the DOE Award Administrator indicating whether you will continue or phase out the project. If you plan to continue the project, the notification must describe how replacement cost sharing will be secured. If you plan to phase out the project, the recipient must provide its share of the total project cost reimbursed as of the date of the termination or discontinuation.  Failure to provide the cost sharing required by the award may result in the subsequent recovery by DOE of some or all the funds provided under the award.\n3. No.","2024-04-10"]
[338,"We noticed that that the Budget Justification Worksheet Contractual page instructions say that contracts over $100,000 must have a separate worksheet, but the FOA says only contracts over $250,000 need one. Could you clarify which number is correct please? Please see below for the sections we are referring to. \n\nBudget Justification Workbook: \n2. Sub-recipients (partners, sub-awardees): Subrecipients shall submit a Budget Justification describing all project costs and calculations when their total proposed budget exceeds either (1) $100,000 or (2) 25% of total award costs. These sub-recipient forms may be completed by either the sub-recipients themselves or by the preparer of this form. \n\nFOA Page 64:\nSubrecipient Budget Justification (if applicable)\nApplicants must provide a separate budget justification for each subrecipient\nthat is expected to perform work estimated to be more than $250,000 or 25\npercent of the total work effort (whichever is less),\n\n","Reference part 2 of Question 284.","2024-04-10"]
[339,"Please clarify if the potential sources below meet the 33% cost share requirement:\n•\tRural electric cooperative RUS funds - these funds were considered cost share match under GRIP Round 1. Seeking confirmation for GRIP Round 2 since cooperatives depend on the RUS low cost financing sources towards grid resilience and innovation projects.\n•\tIRA tax incentives \n•\tSolar / Generation for Microgrids - could cooperatives contribute solar net of tax credits to match the DOE GRIP funds in order to develop microgrids and achieve greater resilience outcomes? For instance, if the answer to the first question from March 15th below is that solar is not an eligible project type within Topic Area 1, could the cooperatives’ investment in the solar portion of a microgrid nonetheless count towards its 33% cost share requirement?\n•\tIn-Kind Labor - could workforce partners and community led organizations contribute in-kind faculty and staff to develop and implement the Community Benefits Plan as cost share match?","•\tReference Question 43.\n•\tReference Question 322.  In addition, for TA 2, investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, are not eligible for funding.  Reference TA2 requirements in Section I of the FOA.\n•\tSee bullet #2 above.\n•\tYes","2024-04-10"]
[340,"If awarded, when does the award period begin? Can the applicant delay the start date if necessary?\n\n","If selected for award, the expected timeframe for award negotiations is Winter 2024/2025.  During award negotiations, the award period start date would be determined.  Reference FOA cover page.","2024-04-10"]
[341,"Can we request a debrief on this decision from the GRIP program staff to help us better prepare for the Round 3 funding? I can provide availability for my team for you to consider. ","Reference Question 263.","2024-04-10"]
[342,"Is a professional engineer certification required for a GRIP round 2 application (in any of the three topic areas)?\n\nI have reviewed the FOA and don’t see anything that indicates a PE certification is required, but a coworker said they had heard on one of the program webinars that a PE certification was required.\n\nCan you please clarify?\n\n","Reference Question 223.","2024-04-10"]
[343,"Please define subrecipient and subcontractor, and detail the difference between the two.\n","See part 1 of Question 257.","2024-04-10"]
[344,"This question concerns the Budget Justification Workbook, Contractual tab, Instruction 3. It says “a vendor quote must be provided”. The FOA did not mention this. Clarification is requested regarding timing. This does NOT mean a vendor quote must be provided with the grant application (which is due May 22), correct? Vendor quotes can be provided once a project’s start date is nearer. A number of our projects don’t start until after 2025.","Upon selection for award negotiations, applicants will be required to provide additional information and documentation to support their proposed budget. ","2024-04-10"]
[345,"Is there any information on when the Opportunity Package ID for this funding opportunity will be released or where we can find the ID number?","The number for this requirement is DE-FOA-0003195.  Reference FOA cover page.","2024-04-10"]
[346,"I am reaching out on behalf of JLL to inquire about future rounds of GRIP funding. \nWe are interested in funding available for Topic Area 1: Grid Resilience Grants to develop a 10MW community microgrid using solar + BESS, but we will not be able to complete a submission by the 4/17 deadline. When can we expect GRIP FY26-27 funding to be announced and will the Topic Areas likely remain similar to the current FY24-25 grid topics?\n","Reference Questions 37 and 88.","2024-04-10"]
[347,"The CBOO instructions state that the applicant should add or delete rows and columns, so the table summarizes commitments and timelines from sections above. However, some of the rows under Existing or Planned have an option that reads “Not at this time.” That implies that we should answer no if we aren’t doing that and if it’s not applicable to us. Which guidance should we follow? Should we delete the row or select “not at this time” if it’s not applicable? ","Applicants should follow the instructions of the CBP template.  In summary, the table in Section F includes a column for \"Existing or Planned\" commitments where applicants need to indicate \"Yes\" or \"Not at this time\".    In the other sections of the CBP, the template provides several examples to assist applicants with describing their plan and applicants should \"add or delete\" commitments to reflect their proposed CBP.","2024-04-10"]
[348,"Will you please provide clarification on how information should be presented in sections B.1 and B.2 of the Community Benefits Plan template?\n\nMy interpretation is that section B.1 should list external entities we have an existing relationship with and describe the programs/engagements that will be continued or enhanced associated with our project proposal.  Then section B.2 would list any new external entities we will initiate a new relationship with to introduce new programs/engagements.\n\nThen the question turns to how to associate our various “types of engagement” with those entities.\n\nFor example, we have an existing relationship with school system, an “organization of interest engaged”.  At that school we have various “types of engagement”, including education programs, STEM scholarships, youth travel program, and career days.  And then the “dates of engagement” and “outcomes” would be associated with each “engagement”?\n\nThank you for your help.\n","Reference Question 260.","2024-04-10"]
[349,"What is the required content for the headings and first page of the Community Benefits Plan Template? Can we delete the content currently on page 1 and begin our document with section A, General Project Information, as long as we create identifying headers for the document such as the FOA number and applicant name?  ","Per the CBP template, the first page should include the \"Organization Name\" and the \"Topic Area Number - Project Title\".  All other instructions can be removed .","2024-04-10"]
[350,"1.\tThe CBP template says the applicant should add or delete commitments to reflect their specific plan. By “commitments” in this section, what is that referring to and what can be delete if not applicable to their plan? The FOA states that these eight benefits (decrease in energy burden, decrease in environmental exposure, etc) all must be addressed. \n2.\tDo applicants have to address each of the eight benefits listed in their CBP?","1.       Reference Question 347.\n2.        Yes, per the FOA, identification of applicable benefits that are quantifiable, measurable, and trackable, including, at a minimum, a discussion of the relevance of each of the eight DOE Justice40 Initiative benefits outlined.  Reference Community Benefits Plan:  Job Quality and Equity in Section IV of the FOA.","2024-04-10"]
[351,"My firm has a client that is applying to Topic 1 of this opportunity but also has ongoing research and development initiatives with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Would this require a notification to DOE in writing of the potential overlap?\n\n","Yes.  Reference Current and Pending Support and Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice in Section IV of the FOA.","2024-04-10"]
[352,"Are county-funded public utility districts considered domestic government entities for purposes of the Transparency of Foreign Connections form and are therefore only required to respond to items 1,2, and 9?","DOE does not make eligibility determinations in advance of the receipt of full applications.   Entity type will be verified on the SF 424 Application and the entity’s SAM registration. ","2024-04-10"]
[353,"The FOA includes a 25-page limit for the Community Benefits Plan, but the latest version of the template is 23 pages long even without applicant content. When the identical template was added to FOA 3099, the FOA was modified to fully eliminate the CBP page limit due to the increase in CBP detail and scope. Could you please further increase the CBP page limit beyond 25 pages?","The page limitation will remain at  25-pages for the CBP for this FOA. Note that the template instructions state \"The instructional textboxes within each section can be removed when submitting the application.\"","2024-04-10"]
[354,"We are currently working on an application and are trying to combine the PDF environmental questionnaire with a PDF of the project site location map as instructed. However, the environmental questionnaire is locked for editing and is password protected. We would like to submit these as one PDF and were wondering how we can go about doing that?","Please load as separate files.","2024-04-10"]
[355,"I am reaching out on behalf of a Tribal client applying to FY24-25 GRIP Grant. The Tribe is taking a phased approach to the project and is considering applying to FY26 GRIP for the next phase of the project. According to page 31 of the FOA, DOE will only accept new applications under the FOA that are not DOE funded awards. Would the Tribe be able to apply for FY26 GRIP for the second phase of their project?","There is currently no open funding opportunity announcement for future rounds of GRIP.  See also Questions 37 and 88.  That said, generally speaking, DOE will accept only new applications; which are projects that are not currently DOE-funded awards. DOE also typically does not consider applications for renewals of existing DOE-funded awards.  ","2024-04-10"]
[356,"I have a question regarding the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0003195 - Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) – Grid Resilience and Innovative Partnerships (GRIP). \n\nIn the Community Benefits Plan template there's a bit of confusion and we'd like clarification. Section: Workforce and Community Agreements\n• If the applicant is not committing to negotiate any workforce or community agreements, applicant should note that a Workforce Continuity Plan may be required and should refer to the Community Benefits Plan webpage. \n• If applicant has no entries for this section, continue to section 4 below. \n\n1.\tOn the Community Benefits Plan webpage there isn't any information about Workforce Continuity Plans. How do we know if one is required and is it submitted as part of the application or after the application process? \n2.\tWhat are the page limits for this document?","1. Per FOA guidance in Section IV.I.iv, applicants who do not commit to using a project labor agreement will be required to submit workforce continuity plans and show that they have taken other measures to reduce the risk of delays in project delivery.\n2.\tReference part 1 of Question 248.","2024-04-10"]
[357,"We are putting together a concept paper application and were wondering if the required utility cost share match / funding can come from long term debt proceeds.  Much capital infrastructure is funded that way for utilities so it seems appropriate but wanted to be sure.  ","Reference Question 314.","2024-04-10"]
[358,"I am reaching out on behalf of a Tribal client applying for the FY2024 GRIP Grant. We would like clarification on the climate strategy section of the technical volume. The question asks for an outline of a climate resilience strategy that accounts for climate impacts and extreme weather patterns. Is the question focused on the impacts on the grid equipment/infrastructure or the community the technology will serve?","Please address your climate resilience strategy in the context of the proposed project as a whole, inclusive of both the grid and its benefits to the community.","2024-04-17"]
[359,"What is DOE’s definition of person-months?  This is requested in the Current and Pending Support document.  Is this the number of people X the number of months?  For example:\n•\t3 people working for 12 months would be 36 person-months?  \n•\twould this be based on a fulltime person?  i.e. 6 people working halftime for 12 months would also be 36 person-months?\n"," DOE does not have an official definition for person-months.  Additional information can be found at https://grants.nih.gov/faqs#/person-months.htm","2024-04-17"]
[360,"Our team has two questions related to the GRIP FOA (3195).\n\n1.\tCan the DOE please confirm the intended File Format for the SOPO is MS Word and not PDF like other narrative documents?\n2.\tCan the DOE please provide guidance on how to “transfer” a concept paper to a different account for the completion of a full application? \n","1. Correct.  NOTE:  Exchange has been updated to accept .doc, .docx file formats for the Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO) as outlined in the FOA.                                                                                                                                             2. Reference Question 227.   In addition, guidance on how to share the submission record to other users can be found in the Infrastructure Exchange Applicant Guide (~pages 71-73) and is also published in the “User Guides” section of the website: https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx","2024-04-17"]
[361,"If GRIP grant funding is awarded to a private company, does that company have to report the grant as taxable income?","DOE cannot provide tax advice.","2024-04-17"]
[362,"Is there somewhere where I can view the previous round of proposals submitted for the GRIP grant?","DOE does not publicize submissions. Please see link below for GRIP Round 1 selected projects. https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-projects","2024-04-17"]
[363,"Question 1\n \nIs the loaded labor rate referred to on tab “a. Personnel” instruction 3 intended to include base hourly rate plus fringe benefits such as health, pension, and employer tax expense?\n \nQuestion 2 --\n \nIf the loaded labor rate referred to in Question 1 above does include fringe benefits as defined in question 1 above, and the applicant chooses to use the loaded labor rate when estimating personnel costs, does an applicant also need to complete the “b. Fringe” tab and provide an “indirect rate proposal which encompasses the fringe pool of costs” as directed on the “b. Fringe” tab is the applicant does not have a “current federally approved rate agreement negotiated and available”?\n \nQuestion 3\nIf the loaded labor rate does not include fringe costs, and an applicant seeks to include fringe costs in its grant request, does the applicant complete “b. Fringe” tab and provide an “indirect rate proposal which encompasses the fringe pool of costs”?\n\n","1.\tIf loaded labor rates are utilized by the applicant, a description of the costs the applicant included in the loaded rate must be included in the Additional Explanation section of the budget justification. \n2.\tNo, do not include costs both in the loaded labor rate in the personnel worksheet of the budget justification and again in another budget category.  It is noted, that if selected for award, DOE may at its discretion, elect not to accept loaded labor rates and require further itemization of the proposed fringe benefits and indirect costs (in their respective worksheets of the budget justification).  \n3.\tIf an applicant does not propose a loaded labor rate, please use the fringe benefit tab to describe the proposed fringe benefits and the indirects tab to propose indirect costs (e.g., general administrative, overhead, etc.).","2024-04-17"]
[364,"On page 52 of the FOA, instructions for the SOPO state, “Save the SOPO in a single Microsoft Word file using the following convention for the title “ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_SOPO”.” However, when uploading to Exchange, the only file type accepted is PDF. Will you please clarify in which format we should submit the SOPO?\n\n \n\n"," The SOPO is required to be in MS Word.  NOTE:  Exchange has been updated to accept .doc, .docx file formats for the Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO) as outlined in the FOA.","2024-04-17"]
[365,"We have a question regarding the Personnel and Fringe tabs of the Budget Justification Workbook.  What’s the best practice to avoid confidentiality / privacy issues related to disclosing direct employees’ salaries?  We have small project development teams and it’s easy to associate the positions with names.  We thought about redacting / password protecting the sheets, but these two categories go into Total Costs so salary & benefit amounts can be easily inferred.  We would like to avoid such transparency with both internal and external recipients of the workbooks. \n\n","Reference Treatment of Application Information in Section VIII.","2024-04-17"]
[366,"We are helping a state agency submit an exciting full application and are working to get support letters from multiple utilities.  Asking for an exception to the concept paper mandatory requirement please\n\n","This is a firm requirement and no exceptions can be made.  See also Questions 37, 88, 187, and 192.","2024-04-17"]
[367,"My organization is currently working on a GRIP grant and I was looking online for the first round submissions. Do those exist somewhere? I would like to review some of the successful proposals to see if we are missing anything and if there are any innovative ideas that we had not thought of.  Any help or insights you can give would be appreciated.","DOE does not publicize submissions. Please see link below for GRIP Round 1 selected projects. https://www.energy.gov/gdo/grid-resilience-and-innovation-partnerships-grip-program-projects","2024-04-17"]
[368,"Can we submit a Full application for GRIP Resiliency if we did not submit a concept paper?\n\nPreparing an exciting submission from a state association. Wanted some guidance on the above question please","No.  Reference Question 192; see also Questions 37, 88, 181, and 187.","2024-04-17"]
[369,"I hope this email finds you well! I have a quick question on GRIP. Please see below: \n\n1. On page 2, Topic Area 1 Item 5 on the Project Description and Assurances Doc (PDAD), it states that, per the IIJA: \"C) Application limitations.--An eligible entity may not submit an application for a grant provided by the Secretary under subsection (c) and a grant provided by a State or Indian Tribe pursuant to subsection (d) during the same application cycle.\" What does this mean? Does this mean that if an entity is currently applying to a grant provided by a State pursuant to subsection (d), they are not eligible to apply for this cycle of GRIP funding, even if it is for a different project? Please clarify. \n","Reference Questions 161, 312, 316, and 317.","2024-04-17"]
[370,"Are charitable contributions considered an eligible CBP budget item? And if so, are they restricted in any way, i.e. must be to an economic trust in the service area of the project?","Please refer to Cost Sharing in Section III and Appendix A (Cost Share Information) of the FOA.","2024-04-17"]
[371,"We submitted an application to the GRIP program (3195-1854) for a battery array at our Swinging Bridge facility. We received an “encourage” as feedback and are working on a full application. However, 2 questions on eligibility have arisen:\n\n1. In your initial review of the concept paper, did your team evaluate whether applicants would qualify as a small utility, thus qualifying for the 1/3 cost match?\n2. If not, would a private owner/operator of hydropower facilities that sells less than 4,000,000 MWh annually qualify?","1 and 2 - DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.  Please see Section III of the FOA document for Eligibility Information. ","2024-04-17"]
[372,"In our concept paper application, we provided a written statement explaining that we do not file EIA Form 861 because we sell our generation in the wholesale market.  Please let me know as soon as possible if this is a disqualifier.","DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted.  Please see Section III of the FOA document for Eligibility Information. Entities applying for the small utility set-aside must demonstrate their eligibility by submitting their total retail electricity sales to ultimate customers as reported to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Form 861 for the last reporting year. Reference Section IV.D.","2024-04-17"]
[373,"I am reaching out hoping to find the applicable GRIP2 Community Benefits Form, It indicates, as per the FOA, that it is available on Grants.gov and Exchange. I am unable to locate it on Exchange in the full application materials, and Grants.gov only offers a package with the Community Benefits Form Justification Worksheet.\n\n","In Grants.gov, it can be found under “Related Documents”, in the modification 000003 zip file.  In Exchange, it can be found under both the “Documents” section and the “Application Forms and Templates” section.","2024-04-17"]
[374,"We are starting to upload our application documents for the GRIP Round 2. I tried to upload all of our subrecipient budgets, but there seems to be a limit of 10. One of our applications has over 57 subrecipients, so is there a way for the portal to tweaked to allow for more attachments?","There are now 2 portals available in Exchange for sub-recipient budget justifications and each line will now be able to accept a maximum of 30 files (total of 60 files). If an applicant has more than 30 files, you need to access the second (overflow) line to continue loading your files.","2024-04-17"]
[375,"Exchange will only accept 2 files for Environmental Questionnaires and 10 files for sub-recipient budget justifications.  Our application has more files to load than that.  Help!","Exchange has been modified as follows:  \n-\tEnvironmental Questionnaires - The maximum number of files that can be uploaded to Exchange has been increased to 30.\n-\tSub-Recipient Budget Justification(s) (if applicable):  There are now 2 portals available for sub-recipient budget justifications and each line will now be able to accept a maximum of 30 files (total of 60 files). If an applicant has more than 30 files, you need to access the second (overflow) line to continue loading your files.","2024-04-17"]
[376,"Please clarify if the potential sources below meet the 33% cost share requirement:  Federal disaster recovery funds.","Cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law (e.g., specific statutory authority).","2024-04-17"]
[377,"In the recent concept paper debrief webinar, one of the slides referenced \"Investments or expenditures that utilize specific tax credits or deductions are not eligible for funding under Topic Area 2.\" Does this only apply to the DOE funded cost share amount? For example, if the total project cost is $40M and we are requesting $20M DOE share, can the recipient cost share of $20M still be eligible for ITC?","No, it is a restriction on the entire budget (Federal and cost share).  Reference Topic Area 2 requirements in Section I of the FOA.","2024-04-17"]
[378,"We are applying for GRIP grants and would like to take advantage of Direct Pay Through Inflation Reduction Act.  Can Direct Pay be used in conjunction with a GRIP grant? \n\nhttps://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/directpay/\"","Investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, is not eligible for funding under Topic Area 2.  Reference TA2 requirements in Section I of the FOA. No such prohibition exists for Topic Areas 1 or 3.","2024-04-17"]
[379,"I am working on the GRIP application that CenterPoint Energy (CPE) is submitting, and we are asking for clarification on the letters of commitment and letters of partnership documentation.\n1.\tThe letters of commitment should be from “subrecipient and third-party cost share providers. If applicable, the letter must state that the third party is committed to providing a specific minimum dollar amount or value of in-kind contributions allocated to cost sharing.”, but not unions or end-users?\n2.\tHow many of these commitment letters are allowable?\n3.\tThe documentation of community benefit plan partners which would include unions and community partners - which can be in the form of a letter are limited to 10 pages – and therefore 10 letters in total?\n4.\tCPE would like to ensure that the letters supporting the project are submitted in the correct sections under the correct documentation.\n5.\tFinally, the total letters of support and commitment cannot exceed 20 letters?\n \nThank you in advance for your assistance.\n","1.\tPer FOA guidance, Applicants are to submit letters of commitment from all subrecipient and third-party cost share providers. If applicable, the letter must state that the third party is committed to providing a specific minimum dollar amount or value of in-kind contributions allocated to cost sharing. This includes unions and end-users that fit this description; letters of support from unions involved in the project are encouraged.\n\nIf a third party is not committing cost share/cost match, that information would not be included in the letter of commitment. \n\n2.\tThe FOA does not restrict the number of letters; albeit each letter is restricted to one page and the applicant should combine all letters of commitment into one single PDF file.  Reference Letters of Commitment in Section IV of the FOA.\n3.\tRegarding Community Partnership Documentation, FOA guidance instructs that each letter must not exceed one page and that in total, the partnership documentation must not exceed 10 pages. Letters from proposed community partners such as labor unions are desired as part of Community Partnership Documentation. Reference Community Partnership Documentation in Section IV. \n4.\tReference Full Application instructions for Letters of Commitment and Community Partnership Documentation in Section IV of the FOA.\n5.\tThe FOA does not restrict the number of letters of commitment.  For Community Partnership Documentation, applicants can submit no more than 10 pages.  See Section IV.","2024-05-06"]
[380,"In the CBP template, does the CBP table count as part of the CBP 25-page count limit? The completed table takes up 4-5 pages by itself, and there is a lot of other information we would like to cover and provide. ","Reference Question 353. ","2024-05-06"]
[381,"Hello, I am looking for past submissions from the first round. Do those exist somewhere? I would like to review some of the successful proposals to see if we are missing anything and if there are any innovative ideas that we had not thought of.  Any help or insights you can give would be appreciated.","Reference Question 367.","2024-05-06"]
[382,"Our team is currently working on our GRIP application and has the following questions:\n\nThe following questions are all related to the Environmental Questionnaire:\n\n1. If the prime recipient is partnering with multiple utility subrecients in different states and unique project locations, should the  prime recipient submit a single environmental questionnaire that describes all of the different projects/locations? Or, should the prime recipient submit a separate environmental questionnaire for each unique project location? \n\n2. If the prime recipient is collaborating with a utility subrecipient at a project location in such a way that the answers to each of the items in the questionnaire are identical (except for organization names), should both the lead organization and subrecipient submit applications that are identical except for organizational names? \n\n3. Based on earlier DOE answers in the Q&A documentation, it appears that each of the subrecipients will need to submit their own questionnaires. What about a situation where a subrecipient utility is doing multiple projects in multiple unique locations? Should they submit a single questionnaire that covers all of the projects they are doing or multiple questionnaires--one for each project?   \n\n4. For II.A.8 in the Environmental Questionnaire, there are only spaces for 5 projects. How should the recipient list additional projects?\n","1-3. Reference Questions 183.1 and 308.\n4. Submit multiple Environmental Questionnaires, as needed. ","2024-05-06"]
[383,"I am reaching out regarding FOA-0003195: BIL - GRID RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS (GRIP). \n\nOur organization is involved with a GRIP proposal that was submitted under this second round of funding, and we are wondering when the expected notification date is for awarded proposals. Has the DOE set an expected date to notify applicants? \n","Expected date for notifications is Summer/Fall 2024. See FOA cover page and section VI.A.iv.","2024-05-06"]
[384,"I have read through the Q&A, but not found the answer to a couple of questions I have, here they are:\n•\tIf there are multiple utility subawardees, is the amount of required cost share based upon the revenue of each utility separately (so some contribute 50% of their costs and others contribute a lower percentage of their costs), or is a flat 50% required of all if one of the entities meet the 50% threshold?\n•\tIf a utility is already receiving GRIP funding from a State program and has received the maximum allowed by that program (based upon maintenance and upgrade expense history), are they eligible to receive funding from this FOA? If they receive funding from this FOA, does the award count against their funding eligibility for the other program?\n•\tFor TA2, I read the FOA to say that major modifications required to a substation required for a SMART Grid (e.g. expanding the substation to support replacing fuses with breakers), would be covered under this award. Can you verify this and also comment on any limitations (e.g. land acquisition)?\n","1. Reference Questions 29, 49, and 328.\n2. Reference Question 12.\n3. Reference FOA Section A.ii. & iii. for funding objectives and priority areas for investments. Additionally,reference FOA Section B.ii.& iv. for projects of interest and projects specifically not of interest. The FOA does not restrict the purchase of land.","2024-05-06"]
[385,"Per the FOA, DOE – GDO may approve vesting of unconditional title under the referenced statute at page 99 (Section 309 of the FY23 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Pub. L. No. 117-328), Division D, Title III). \nShould an application address if the applicant intends to request that unconditional title vesting be included in the award agreement?\n","Currently, only the Secretary of Energy holds Sec. 309 vesting authority.  Further, vesting of title may, at the Secretary’s discretion, only occur at the conclusion of the award period.  However, selectees may raise the issue for general consideration during negotiations.  ","2024-05-06"]
[386,"I'm a public utilities analyst involved in an interagency GRIP2 Topic Area 3 proposal we call \"CHARGE 2T\".\nWe just submitted the proposal today. But I was wondering if you can answer a few of my questions about next steps:\n\n1.\tWhen will the DOE notify us to tell us if they accept our proposal?\n2.\tIf our proposal is accepted when will the \"negotiation period\" begin and end? And what will the negotiation process look like (do you have any documents about it?)\n3.\tAfter that, what is the earliest start date to begin the proposed work? And is the start date also negotiable?\n\nI really appreciate your help.\n","1. Expected date for notifications is Summer/Fall 2024. \n2. Expected date for negotiation is Winter 2024/2025. See FOA Section VI.A.iv.\n3. The project can begin work as soon as negotations are completed. See FOA Section VI.A.iv. and Question 310.","2024-05-06"]
[387,"I am reaching out to inquire about a line item under Topic Area 2. The 3195 FOA explicitly states proposals which dedicate a significant budget allocation towards funding customer rebate or incentive programs (reference Section B item iv) are not of interest. \nCan the DOE GDO kindly provide further guidance on what the agency considers to be a “significant amount” of the proposed budget? This would assist as we craft the specifics around the proposal with partners.\n","See FOA B.iv. for projects specifically not of interest. The FOA does not further define \"signifcant amount.\"","2024-05-06"]
[388,"The FOA states that all pages of the Full Application must be 1” margins. It does not specify the same kind of margin requirement for the summary slides that are submitted as an MS Powerpoint. Do slides need to contain a clean 1” white border around the content or is a standard slide format where boxes and some information is closer than 1: to the edge of the slides acceptable?","The summary slide is considered part of the \"full application\" and all pages must be formatted to fit on 8.5 x 11-inch paper with margins not less than one inch on every side.  Reference the “Application Process” in Section IV.","2024-05-08"]
[389,"I have two questions for the FOA.\n\n1. On the SF-LLL (Lobbying Disclosure Activities), we are members of a Joint Power Agency that is listed as a third party provider that provides lobbying services to members. It’s also registered as the Lobbyist Employer (with a Responsible Officer and a separate Employer Firm). How do we fill out the SF-LLL since there’s no space for third-party information? Can we put the name of the Agency in the First and Last name section?\n2. In the Community Benefits Plan Summary Table, there’s a section asking for the Total Number of Permanent Operations Jobs and the Total Number of Construction Phase Jobs. Can you clarify what each of those mean? \na. Are you asking for the current number of permanent Operation jobs or the number of operation jobs we plan to add for the project? \nb. Are you asking for the total number of Construction Jobs created specifically for the project (phase) or permanent Construction jobs we plan to add?\n","1. Block 4 should include the Name and Address of Reporting Entity. Block 10a would include the Name and Address of Lobbying Registrant and 10b would identify the. Individual Performing Services (including address if different from No. 10a).\n\n\n2. This section should be filled in to reflect the commitments and relevant time-based milestones being proposed by the Applicant. The applicant should add or delete rows and columns so the table summarizes commitments and timelines from sections within the template. Red text indicates examples and should be deleted or modified to reflect applicant’s plan. \n\na. Yes\nb. Yes","2024-05-08"]
[390,"Regarding, B.iv. Applications Specifically Not of Interest \n“The following types of applications will be deemed nonresponsive and will not be reviewed or considered (See Section III.D. of the FOA): \n• Applicable to All Topic Areas \no Applications that fall outside the technical parameters specified in Sections I.A. and I.B. of the FOA.\no Applications for proposed technologies that are not based on sound scientific principles (e.g., violates the laws of thermodynamics).\no Applications which dedicate a significant budget allocation towards funding customer rebate or incentive programs.”\n\nDoes the DOE have a defined threshold of what they deem to be a “significant” portion of the program budget?\n","The FOA does not specify a threshold for \"significant\".","2024-05-08"]
[391,"A document for Current and Pending Support and another document on Transparency of Foreign Connections is on the list for full application requirements, but it doesn’t say “if applicable” or “required.” If we don’t have any relevant disclosures for each of these documents, can the application be submitted without those documents, or do we need to submit documents that we do not have anything to disclose? If it’s the latter, can a single document from the applicant suffice or do you also need one for proposed subrecipient(s)?   ","This is a required full application document.  Applicants must provide the requested information as it relates to the proposed recipient and subrecipients. Include a separate disclosure for the applicant and each proposed subrecipient. U.S. National Laboratories, domestic government entities, and institutions of higher education are only required to respond to items 1, 2 and 9, and if applying as to serve as the prime recipient, must provide complete responses for project team members that are not U.S. National Laboratories, domestic government entities, or institutions of higher education.  Save the information in a single Adobe PDF file.  Reference Transparency of Foreign Connections in Section IV.","2024-05-08"]
[392,"Despite searching the GRIP 2 FOA (amendment 3) and related material, I have been unable to find specific text that stipulates an amount or limitation for funded project administrative costs. Can you please share the rules/limitations for administrative under the GRIP 2 program?","The FOA does not impose a limit.  All expenditures must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with the applicable federal cost principles. Pursuant to 2 CFR 910.352, the cost principles in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (48 CFR 31.2) apply to for-profit entities. The cost principles contained in 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart E apply to all entities other than for-profits.   Reference Allowable Costs in Section IV.  In addition, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) imposed cost restrictions for Topic Area 2 which are detailed in Section I.","2024-05-08"]
[393,"Are we supposed to include the sum of the CBP investments, which are detailed in the separate Excel file, within our budget justification workbook for the applicant? I assume that creating a line item under the Contractual tab is sufficient, with the dollar amounts in each budget period consistent with the CBP Excel file. Please advise if you have specific guidance on this, or if the CBP costs should not be listed anywhere on the main applicant’s budget. Thanks. ","Yes, Applicants should include costs associated with implementing the various BIL-specific requirements (e.g., Buy America requirements for infrastructure projects, Davis-Bacon, Community Benefits Plan, reporting, oversight) and with required annual audits and incurred cost proposals in their proposed budget documents.  Applicants should allocate costs to the appropriate budget category consistent with the costs included in the separate Community Benefit Plan budget justification Workbook.  Reference Section IV.","2024-05-08"]
[394,"Is the total cost of the proposed project to be manually calculated by summing the two separate Budget Justification workbooks? This is relevant for form SF-424 and various summary documents.  I do not see any linked connection between the Technical and CBP workbooks.  I found nothing in the workbook instructions or the SF-424 instructions.\n\nIf I do not hear back, I will calculate a total manually.  Thank you.\n","Prime recipients must complete each tab of the Budget Justification Workbook for the project as a whole, including all work to be performed by the prime recipient and its subrecipients and contractors. Applicants should include costs associated with implementing the various BIL-specific requirements (e.g., Buy America requirements for infrastructure projects, Davis-Bacon, Community Benefits Plan, reporting, oversight) and with required annual audits and incurred cost proposals in their proposed budget documents.  Reference Budget Justification in Section IV.\n\nIn addition, Applicants must provide a separate budget justification identifying the Community Benefit Plan costs included in the “Budget Justification Workbook.”  This Community Benefits Plan Budget Justification must include the same justification information described in the “Budget Justification Workbook” section above but should only include Community Benefits Plan costs. Reference Community Benefits Plan Budget Justification in Section IV.","2024-05-08"]
[395,"I have a follow up question on the Transparency of Foreign Connections (TFC) document, if required. If the TFC document contains information that the applicant considers to be confidential, and if that is the only confidential information within the entire application, does a statement regarding the TFC confidentiality on the PDAD and/or the Technical Volume even though those documents do not contain the confidential information? The PDAD and TV require any statements regarding confidentiality. ","Reference Treatment of Application Information in Section VIII.","2024-05-08"]
[396,"Is there a maximum number of “Additional Files” that can be uploaded with a GRIP grant in the Infrastructure-Exchange portal? I believe in 2023 Grants.gov was limited to 100 total files.","Yes, there are file limitations for each element of the Full Application.  That information is available to Applicants in Exchange.","2024-05-08"]
[397,"The information required in the SOPO is, by definition, proprietary to our proposal. Can you please confirm that we can mark the information that is proprietary, including the risk of sharing information that could potential have antitrust violation implications? There is also information that is confidential that we cannot risk being made public until we are through negotiations with DOE. Please confirm we can mark the SOPO with proprietary markings.","Reference Treatment of Application Information in Section VIII.","2024-05-08"]
[398,"For Topic 2 applicants filling out the PDAD template, are they only required to fill out Item 1 after the general information? It is difficult to see where the Topic Area 1 and 3 specific Items start and end. Thank you in advance for your answer.","For Topic Area 2, there are no specific items to address. Topic Area 2 applicants will complete the project information and complete item #1 as specified in the PDAD template.  Reference Appendix E. ","2024-05-08"]
[399,"I have a question regarding the subject FOA for Grid Resilience and Innovative Partnerships (GRIP): Is a concept paper required to submit a full application for Topic Area 2?","Yes, applicants that did not submit a concept paper are ineligible to submit a full application.  See also Question 192.","2024-05-08"]
[400,"Is the 50% cost share requirement reviewed and reimbursed on a line-item basis or applied only to the overall project? For example, if a utility preferred to finance capital infrastructure investment out of their own budget could they request that DOE funding apply to a greater percentage of operational costs as long as the end results in a 50% cost share?","The cost share must be at least 50% of the total project costs.  The cost share must come from non-federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law.  In the provided example, an Applicant could as indicated.  Reference Appendix A.","2024-05-08"]
[401,"Hi GRIP Grant administers,\n\nOur organization is working at putting together a budget for an application for the Grip Grant, and we would like clarity around the De Minimis indirect rate that could be used. It is my understanding that the OMB recently in April updated their guidance on the indirect costs allowed.  This change moved the de minimis rate from 10% up to 15%.  It is our understand that this change will also flow through for the GRIP Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program (FY24-FY25). Can you confirm that this update applies to this grant?\n\nThanks,\n\nhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/10/05/2023-21078/guidance-for-grants-and-agreements\n§ 200.414\nIndirect costs.\n(f) De minimis rate. Recipients and subrecipients that do not have a current Federal negotiated indirect cost rate (including provisional rate) may elect to charge a de minimis rate of up to 15 percent of modified total direct costs (MTDC). The recipient or subrecipient is authorized to determine the appropriate rate up to this limit. Federal agencies may not require recipients and subrecipients to use a de minimis rate lower than this standard unless required by Federal statute. The de minimis rate must not be applied to cost reimbursement contracts issued directly by the Federal Government in accordance with the FAR. Recipients and subrecipients are not required to use the de minimis rate and may submit an indirect cost proposal in accordance with the appropriate Appendix referenced in paragraph (e) of this section. When applying the de minimis rate, costs must be consistently charged as either direct or indirect costs and may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. The de minimis rate does not require documentation to justify its use and may be used indefinitely. Once elected, the recipient or subrecipient must use the de minimis rate for all Federal awards until the recipient or subrecipient chooses to receive a negotiated rate. A governmental department or agency that receives more than $35 million in direct Federal funding during its fiscal year may not elect to use the de minimis rate (see Appendix VII, paragraph D.1.b.).\n","The increased rate is currently not in effect.  If/when the increased rate is effective, it can be proposed in accordance with the regulation.","2024-05-08"]
[402,"Q1:  Can DOE please confirm whether or not the 10-page limit for the SOPO includes the Milestone Table?  \n\nQ2:  The FOA table in section IV.D.i. stipulates a 10-page limit for the SOPO.  Section IV.D.vi. states that \"The SOPO, including the Milestone Table, must not exceed 10 pages...\" However, Appendix D provides a template for the SOPO that does not explicitly include the Milestone Table between the labels [*****BEGINNING OF SOPO TEMPLATE*****] and [*****END OF SOPO TEMPLATE*****]. \n\nWe want to ensure compliance with the document requirements while maintaining an appropriate level of detail.  ","Q1:  As outlined in Section IV.D.iv of the FOA, the page limit for the SOPO, including the Milestone Table, is 10 pages .  \n\nQ2:  Although the Appendix D provided in the FOA does not explicitly include a milestone table, applicants should include a Milestone Table in their SOPO as instructed in Section IV.D.iv of the FOA.","2024-05-08"]
[403,"Is it acceptable to use Landscape orientation for certain pages in the technical volume? Specifically, we are wondering if we can put our WBS in Landscape orientation for only that section of the Workplan. ","The FOA does not prohibit using landscape for the WBS section of the Workplan.","2024-05-08"]
[404,"There is a discrepancy in the Task numbering in the Appendix D template for the SOPO which leads me to 2 questions.\n\nIn Section C Tasks - the task are itemized as:\n1.1 PMP\n1.2 CBP\n1.3 NEPA Compliance\n1.4 Cybersecurity\n\nIN Section D Deliverables - the tasks are itemized as:\n1.1 PMP\n2.1 NEPA Compliance\n1.3 Cybersecurity\n1.4 Pre-Continuation Briefing\n\nQuestion 1:  Do you expect the NEPA Compliance to be a subtask of overall Project Management (1.3) or part of Phase 1 Design, Permitting and Siting - so a subtask 2.1 under Task 2 Design, Permitting and Siting?\n\nQuestion 2: Should the Pre-Continuation Briefing be a specific subtask of overall Project Management so that section C Task 1.0 has the subtasks as follows:\n1.1 PMP\n1.2 CBP\n1.3 Cybersecurity Plan\n1.4 Pre-Continuation Briefing\n or can the Pre-Continuation brief be considered part of the PMP subtask 1.1?","FOA Appendix E (SOPO template) lists the following tasks in Section C\n\nTask 1.0: Project Management and Planning\nSubtask 1.1: Project Management Plan (PMP)\nSubtask 1.2: Community Benefits Plan\nSubtask 1.3: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance\nSubtask 1.4: Cybersecurity Plan (CSP)\n\nFOA Appendix E (SOPO template) lists the following deliverables in Section D\n\nThe Recipient shall provide a list of deliverables to be submitted during the project, including: \n\nSubtask 1.1: Project Management Plan \nSubtask 2.1: NEPA Compliance (if applicable) \nSubtask 1.3: Cybersecurity Plan (for Topic Area 2 and Topic Area 3) \nSubtask 1.4: Pre-Continuation Briefing Document(s) \n\nAs outlined in the SOPO template provided in the FOA, “Unless otherwise stated, all SOPOs will include tasks for Project Management Plan, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance, Community Benefits Plan, and Cybersecurity Plan (CSP)* as instructed below. ”   \nThere is an error in the listing of deliverables, the list should read:\n\nSubtask 1.1: Project Management Plan (PMP)\nSubtask 1.2: Community Benefits Plan\nSubtask 1.3: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance\nSubtask 1.4: Cybersecurity Plan (CSP)\n\nNote, the list of required deliverable is to align with the numbering of the required subtasks.  There is flexibility in the numbering of the subtasks but it is important that the numbering used for the deliverables aligns with the numbering used for the subtasks that the deliverable corresponds to. \n","2024-05-08"]
[405,"We are working with a client to prepare a proposal for Topic Area 2. We had 2 questions with regards to this FOA:\n\n1.\tIs there a Class Waiver for subject inventions?\n2.\tAre there any special or unique data rights terms for this FOA?\n\nCould you please provide us with guidance on the above matters?\n\n","1. No\n 2. Reference Intellectual Property Provisions in Section VI and  \"Rights in Technical Data\", \"Copyright\", and \"Export Control\" in Section VIII.","2024-05-08"]
[406,"The FOA references a slide template (\"The Summary Slide template requires the following information...\") but it isn't provided under \"Application Forms and Templates\" on the web site. Is there a slide template we should use? If so, where can that slide template be found?","There is not an explicit template for the Summary slides.  The required content for the Summary Slide(s) is provided in FOA Section IV.D.ix.","2024-05-08"]
[407,"Good Afternoon, \n \nOur team is currently working on our GRIP application and has the following questions: \n \n1. A similar question was also asked in line 222 of the 4/17 Q&A but not yet fully answered. \n \nThe SOPO phases are broken down into 4 category names:\n \nPhase 1 - Design, Permitting and Siting\nPhase 2 – Procurement and Acquisition (Materials and Services)\nPhase 3 – Construction and Deployment\nPhase 4 – Testing and Commissioning\n \nIf components of our project do not fall within these categories, should we add additional phases and phase names? Or, should we simply try to fit all tasks into the category names currently listed for each phase, even if they do not align directly with the category name but would occur during the same performance period?\n \n2. Our project has two cohorts, and in each cohort, each of the four phases (design, permitting, siting, procurement, construction, testing, etc.) will be repeated. Thus, the project has 8 phases. We want to ensure our tasks are laid out in a logical manner for the DOE in both the WBS and the SOPO, but this is challenging within the 4-phase model. Can we add additional phases or rename the phases in the SOPO?\n \n3. The WBS asks for \"The Workplan is to be structured with a hierarchy of performance period (approximately annual), task and subtasks, which is typical of a standard WBS for any project.\" However, the SOPO is broken down into phases and not performance periods. Does the DOE want the WBS to directly reflect the phases, tasks, and subtasks listed in the SOPO but broken down by performance periods as well as phases? \n \n4. Is the DOE looking only for a WBS table or chart with the performance periods, phases, tasks, and subtasks? Or, should there also be narrative explanations in that section on how the work will be accomplished, including milestones, task descriptions, etc? The directions are lengthy for that section of the Workplan, but then also seem to indicate only a WBS is required there. For example, the last sentence of the directions says, \"The summary provided should be consistent with the SOPO. The SOPO will contain a more detailed description of the WBS and tasks.\" This seems to indicate less detail in the WBS section. \n \n","1-2: Tasks should be organized into phases as much as applicable for the stated project objectives. For each phase, using the Phase Titles below, please provide a brief description of the objective(s) and scope for the phase.  Next, provide the titles and descriptions of the tasks to be completed in the phase.  Include additional tasks and subtasks as appropriate.\n\n3: The WBS structure can be broken into annual periods that relate to overall execution schedule typical in a WBS. This does not inherently conflict with the phases of work.  Phases of the work are categories, not time periods.\n\n4: The Workplan should include a summary of the Project Objectives, Technical Scope, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Milestones, Go/No-Go Decision Points, and Project Schedule.  Information to be included in the Workplan is provided in the Workplan Section of the Technical Volume in section IV.   A detailed SOPO is also required, separately. \n","2024-05-08"]
[408,"To whom should we address GRIP grant 3195 \"Letters of Commitment\" and \"Community Partnership Documentation\" letters?","Grid Deployment Office, 1000 Independence Ave. SW, Washington DC 20585","2024-05-10"]
[409,"My question is about a reference on page IV of the FOA:\nApplicants must designate primary and backup points-of-contact in Exchange with\nwhom DOE will communicate to conduct award negotiations. If an application is\nselected for award negotiations, it is not a commitment to issue an award. It is\nimperative that the applicant/selectee be responsive during award negotiations and\nmeet negotiation deadlines. Failure to do so may result in cancelation of further\naward negotiations and rescission of the selection.\n\nCan you please provide guidance on where or how a backup contact would be designated in Exchange?","See the \"Applicant User Guide\" available at https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx. See p. 56 for information on providing Contact Information for two Points of Contact; p. 71 includes instructions on how to share the submission with other eXCHANGE users. ","2024-05-10"]
[410,"I have a question regarding the GRIP round 2 Smart Grid Grants program – \n\n•\tIf part of the cost share is going to come from a state government entity, and the primary applicant is a state government entity but not the state entity providing that specific cost share source, would the primary applicant (state entity) need a letter of commitment from that other state entity providing the cost share?\n\n","If the State entity who is not the prime applicant is proposed as a subrecipient or a third-party cost share provider, a letter of commitment is required.  See Letters of Commitment in Section IV.","2024-05-17"]
[411,"The information required in the SOPO is, by definition, proprietary to our proposal. Can you please confirm that we can mark the information that is proprietary, including the risk of sharing information that could potential have antitrust violation implications? There is also information that is confidential that we cannot risk being made public until we are through negotiations with DOE. Please confirm we can mark the SOPO with proprietary markings.","Please see Treatment of Application Information in Section VIII.","2024-05-17"]
[412,"In Section VI, Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO), on page 52 of the NOFO, it states “The SOPO, including the Milestone Table, must not exceed 10 pages....”. Is there a specific template for the required milestone table? ","Although the SOPO template in Appendix D  provided in the FOA does not explicitly include a template for the milestone table, applicants should include a Milestone Table in their SOPO as instructed in Section IV.D.vi of the FOA.","2024-05-17"]
[413,"1. Our software platform is made profitable via licensing and case-specific iterations of product. Given this context, is it possible to count the value of a free license granted to a third party (including community development organizations), developer (in DACs and elsewhere, and utilities) as an in-kind donation to count toward the in-kind match for the GRIP Grant? ","The value of the donations may be used to meet cost sharing or matching share requirements under the conditions described in Appendix E and 2 CFR 200 as supplemented by 2 CFR 910.   ","2024-05-17"]
[414,"For Topic 2 applicants filling out the PDAD template, are they only required to fill out Item 1 after the general information? It is difficult to see where the Topic Area 1 and 3 specific Items start and end. Thank you in advance for your answer.","Correct (general information and Item 1 for TA2 applicants).  Reference Appendix E.","2024-05-17"]
[415,"An additional set of questions we have concerns flexibility around accelerated timelines:\n\nAre we allowed to accelerate the work schedule and in the event that we are able to complete our interconnection tool product development in less time than submitted, say from 4 years to 3 years?\n\nHow do change orders work for receiving funds to match that pace?\n\n","For TA2, DOE anticipated making awards that run for 60 months.  If an applicant feels they can accelerate the work being done for the project being proposed, there is nothing in the FOA to preclude that.  If this approach is taken, Applicants should ensure that all FOA requirements are met and discuss your approach in the technical volume.","2024-05-17"]
[416,"My organization wants to know if we are allowed to let the public know that we have applied for the funding opportunity.  Can someone please assist?","There is nothing in the FOA to preclude your organization from announcing to the public that you have submitted an application as long as any announcement is clear that it was an application submission only and not selection. ","2024-05-17"]
[417,"Can for-profit entities who are prime recipients claim profit under topica area 2? The instructions provided on pg 114 of the FOA , \"Fee or Profit\", and the referenced guidances FAR Part 31, specifically FAR Part 31.2 contradict each other. ","No.  See also 2 CFR 200.400 and 2 CFR 910.358. ","2024-05-17"]
[418,"I was inquiring about DE-FOA-0003195: BIL - GRID RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS (GRIP). \n• Is federal funding taxable? Primarily asking this as it pertains to GRIP Topic 1 and 2 funding.","DOE cannot provide tax advice.","2024-05-17"]
[419,"Several PDF Documents have a signature block.\n\nDo we need to print the document, sign and then scan to PDF or can we just type in the name or do we need to use e-signatures? \n","Applicants can either print the document, sign, and then scan and/or use e-signatures. ","2024-05-17"]
[420,"Where projects involve integrating and optimizing multiple types of DERs, but only some of the DERs incorporated will receive GRIP grant funding, are those DERs which are not receiving grant funding eligible to benefit from the ITC where applicable and still participate in the overall integration efforts of the project? ","\n\nInvestments or expenditures that utilize specific tax credits or deductions are not eligible for funding under Topic Area 2, whether the investment or expenditure is part of the federal share or the recipient cost share.","2024-05-17"]
[421,"We are struggling with outages and power restoration due to the most recent storm that has hit.  Is there any way that the DOE could extend the deadline by a few days so that we can get back to finalizing and submitting our proposal?","Considering the severe weather that impacted several areas, GDO has extended the due date for Topic Area 2 application from May 22, 2024 5 pm ET to May 24, 2024 5pm ET.  Modification 000004 dated 5/20/2024 has been processed to reflect the extension and is available in grants.gov and Exchange.","2024-05-20"]
[422,"2. Data is an important input to building the proposed tool, can it be considered property and counted as an in-kind contribution for the purposes of the grant?  \nAttached is the original concept paper for additional context. Let us know if either of these questions are unclear.","There is nothing in the FOA that would preclude an applicant from proposing data as in-kind contribution as long as it satisfies the cost share/cost match guidance in the FOA.  Reference Section III and Appendix E and the financial assistance regulations at 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 910.                                                                                                        \n\nPlease note: estimation methods used by the Recipient to assign a value to in-kind data that is not commercially available at an established market price cannot be objectively verified by DOE and therefore would not be accepted by DOE as an allowable cost under any project selected from this FOA.  If selected for award negotiations, DOE reserves the right to require that selected applicants to provide additional or clarifying information regarding the application submissions including documentation to complete verify the allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of cost share/cost match.   ","2024-05-20"]
[423,"Our question regarding project award sizing in Topic Area 2 was raised in previous Q&A's posted in the exchange (v. 5-6-2024), e.g. #84, and is still not clear. Much of the confusion stems from the use of the word \"anticipated\" in the award sizes which appears to allow for some flexibility. WIll DOE consider projects under the $10M anticipated federal share size?","The anticipated minimum and maximum award sizes are detailed in Section II.A of the FOA but no hard limits have been set for this FOA.     \nPlease reference Section II of the FOA for further details on Award Information. ","2024-05-20"]
[424,"The GRIP FOA says the recipient must undergo DB training and maintain competency.  Do you know what this means in practice?  All team members have to be trained? Only the PI?  Do training every year? Once?","If selected for award, the applicant is responsible for ensuring the DB requirements are satisfied including identification of which personnel (including sub-recipients and contractors) needs to be trained.","2024-05-20"]
[425,"We need to submit a version of the Technical Volume with confidential information. 1) How should we name this file? The FOA only says to mark the document as “confidential” or “non-confidential”, but there are no further instructions for naming, and 2) should we attach both files within the Technical Volume section?","1) Please using the naming convention specified in Section IV, Technical Volume (ControlNumber_LeadOrganization_TechnicalVolume) and add confidential and/or non-confidential as specified in the Treatment of Applications in Section VIII.\n \n2) Yes","2024-05-20"]
[426,"For Topic 2 Requirements, the FOA states ineligibility for “Investments or expenditures for Smart Grid technologies, devices, or equipment that utilize specific tax credits or deductions under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended.” Where is the reference for what the “specific” tax credits or deductions are? Does this mean all federal tax credits? State? \n\n","Reference 42 U.S.C. 17386 (b) and (c). ","2024-05-22"]
[427,"Can you please clarify how the following costs can count towards the required cost share for the GRIP grant?\n\nIn a project where:\n•\tMultiple devices like water heaters, EV chargers, and battery storage are installed behind a customer's meter.\n•\tAll devices are controlled and operated for the GRIP grant pilot.\n•\tCosts of some devices (water heaters, load control devices, EMS systems) are not eligible for federal funding or tax credits.\n•\tCosts of other devices (solar panels and battery storage) may receive federal tax credits.\n•\tThe total cost for installing all equipment is $100k, split between devices not eligible for federal tax credits ($50k) and those eligible for a 30% federal tax credit, reducing their effective cost to $35k. Thus, the total project cost after applying tax credits is $85k.\n\nQ1. If the customer pays this $85k: \n•\tCan it all be counted towards the cost share requirement?\nQ2. If the $50k (for devices not eligible for tax credits) receives 50% funding from the GRIP grant ($25k), and the customer pays the remaining $25k, plus the $35k for devices receiving tax credits:\n•\tCan the $60k paid by the customer be considered as their cost share?\n\nQ3. Would the cost share be calculated as a percentage of the project costs paid by the customer after subtracting federal tax credits? For instance:\n•\tIn Q1, the customer covers $85k of $85k (100%).\n•\tIn Q2, the customer covers $60k of $85k (approximately 71%).\n","Investments or expenditures that utilize specific tax credits or deductions are not eligible for funding under Topic Area 2, whether the investment or expenditure is part of the federal share or the recipient cost share. DOE cannot provide further project-specific advice at the pre-application stage. Further, DOE cannot provide tax advice.  Reference FOA Section I.B.ii, III.B, and Appendix A. ","2024-05-22"]
[428,"The instructions to apply for DE-FOA-0003195: Grid Resilience and Innovative Partnerships (GRIP) - Topic Area 2 due May 22, 2024 are not clear. It shows closed through grants.gov and said it would reopen after a week of Topic Area 1 & 3 closing. Can someone provide the location of where to apply for Topic Area 2?","Per the FOA, applicants submit their applications in Exchange https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/ (not grants.gov).","2024-05-24"]
[429,"We have a client who is interested in applying for topic area 2.  We just learned about this grant and saw that concept papers were due back in January.  Are there any exceptions to this part of the process?  If not this opportunity, our client is looking for other energy grid grant opportunities to apply.  Any direction you give on that would be greatly appreciated.\n\n","No.  Reference Questions 37, 88, and 181.","2024-05-24"]
[430,"Our team is developing the CBP for a GRIP proposal we are going to submit this cycle, and we would like to inquire about the provided CPB template:\n\nAre we required to follow the template strictly? Do we need to fill in the template with each heading? Or can we plug the information into paragraphs in each section?\n\nI would appreciate it if you could provide me with this information.\n","As indicated in the provided template; the information below the instructional textboxes is intended to provide examples of commitments that may be relevant to each section, proposed project, or program. Not all information provided may apply.  ","2024-05-24"]
[431,"I’m reaching out on behalf of a small hydro-power producer. We missed the window of opportunity to submit a concept paper for DOE FOA 0003195. Is it too late to apply? Will there be other rounds of this opportunity? ","Reference Questions 37, 88, and 181.","2024-05-24"]
[432,"I am not sure who to direct this question to. I just submitted the below application for the DOE GRIP program under Topic Area 2. Our submission includes confidential and non confidential files and therefore per the direction in the FOA, I uploaded two versions of each application requirement. There was no option to upload in a special portion of the portal “Redacted Files” but thought I would confirm my approach as the below report of my submission makes it appear as though there was an option to specify redacted files. \n\nI appreciate your response prior to Tuesday at noon given the upcoming deadline. \n","This approach is acceptable.","2024-05-24"]
[433,"It has been reported (rumored?) to me twice today that GRIP awardees will not be required to competitively solicit for an engineer.\n \nHowever, per 2 CFR 200.319, “(a) All procurement transactions for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of this section and § 200.320.”\n \nCan you confirm whether the DOE GRIP program has changed the requirements for selection of engineers, or other contractors?\n \n(We have prepared and submitted five (5) separate GRIP applications, under both TA2 and TA1. My clients would be eager to hear of this. I will say nothing until this change in requirements is confirmed in writing.)\n \n","2 CFR 200.319 remains in effect.","2024-05-24"]
[434,"May we include appendices in the SOPO and tech volume that do NOT count towards total page count?\n\nI appreciate your help. Thank you.\n","Reference Part 1 of Question 402.","2024-05-24"]
[435,"I have a question from my legal department in regard to the Current and Pending Support document that is part of the full application for GRIP. Please see below:\n\n\nMy concern with the attached Current and Pending Support Disclosure Statement is that it is very broad.   We need an explanation of what they mean by “sponsored activities, awards, and appointments”.  The rest of the document seems to imply that it means “sponsored by a government.  Clearly, such activities sponsored by foreign governments would not be allowed.  \n\nHU’s involvement with our apprenticeship programs might fall within the definition of a “sponsored activity or award.”  \n\n\nPlease review the question and provide guidance.\n","Current and pending support – (a) All resources made available, or expected to be made available, to an individual in support of the individual’s RD&D efforts, regardless of (i) whether the source is foreign or domestic; (ii) whether the resource is made available through the entity applying for an award or directly to the individual; or (iii) whether the resource has monetary value; and (b) includes in-kind contributions requiring a commitment of time and directly supporting the individual’s RD&D efforts, such as the provision of office or laboratory space, equipment, supplies, employees, or students.   Reference Current and Pending Support in the FOA.","2024-05-24"]
[436,"Are subrecipients in a consortium required to submit a separate PDAD for Topic 2 application?","If proposing as a consortium, the project team must designate one team member to serve as the prime recipient and that team member must qualify as an eligible entity.  That lead must submit the PDAD for their organization. ","2024-05-24"]