Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001205
Apply for DE FOA 0001205
- The Office of Science in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Energy Innovation Hub Renewal Fuels from Sunlight" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.049 Office of Science Financial Assistance Program.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 29, 2014 and posted on Nov 25, 2014.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 7, 2015 NOTE You are encouraged to transmit your application well before the deadline. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE REVIEWED OR CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- The prime applicant must be the prime awardee of the existing Fuels from Sunlight Hub. Nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995 are not eligible to apply.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Energy Innovation Hub Renewal: Fuels from Sunlight opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0001205) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science funding announcement seeking a renewal application for the existing Fuels from Sunlight Energy Innovation Hub. The core purpose of the renewal is to extend and deepen the Hub's prior work, with a sharper emphasis on the research and development needed to make photochemical reduction of carbon dioxide efficient, sustainable, and scalable. In practical terms, the program is focused on advancing science and engineering that can use sunlight to drive chemical reactions that convert CO2 into fuels or fuel-relevant chemicals, moving the field closer to viable solar-to-fuels pathways.
The FOA makes clear that the renewal is not meant to restart the Hub from scratch, but to build directly on previous accomplishments and infrastructure. The renewed Hub is expected to pursue discovery research across the full innovation chain, from fundamental understanding of materials and reaction mechanisms to more applied efforts that validate how pieces work together. While it remains rooted in basic science, the FOA explicitly encourages prototype development where it helps test component integration, reveal real-world performance limits, or demonstrate capabilities that cannot be evaluated through isolated experiments alone. This indicates a preference for tightly coupled research where advances in catalysts, light absorbers, interfaces, and system architecture inform one another instead of progressing in separate silos.
A major operational expectation is that the Hub continues to function under a comprehensive project plan organized around clear five-year goals. The DOE is looking for a management structure that treats the Hub as a coordinated, milestone-driven R&D enterprise rather than a loose collection of individual research projects. The application is expected to lay out substantive, measurable scientific and technical milestones, along with key decision points and alternate strategies if critical-path approaches do not work as expected. That milestone-and-decision framework signals that DOE wants disciplined program execution, including clear criteria for down-selecting approaches, redirecting effort, and managing risk while staying focused on outcomes that matter for scalable CO2 photoreduction.
From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement, which typically means DOE anticipates substantial involvement in project oversight, coordination, and performance monitoring during the award period. The activity category is science and technology and other research and development, and it is associated with CFDA 81.049 (Office of Science Financial Assistance Program). Cost sharing or matching is required, so the applicant must plan for a portion of the project costs to be covered by non-federal contributions consistent with the FOA terms.
Eligibility is narrowly defined: the prime applicant must already be the prime awardee of the existing Fuels from Sunlight Hub, making this a true renewal action rather than an open competition for new Hub leadership. The FOA also notes that certain nonprofit organizations, specifically 501(c)(4) entities that have engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995, are not eligible to apply. Eligible applicant types listed include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and other entities as clarified in the FOA's eligibility section.
Key dates show the FOA was posted November 25, 2014, with the closing date ultimately set to January 7, 2015, and an explicit warning that late applications would not be reviewed or considered for award. The listing shows estimated total funding and award ceiling/floor as 0, which typically indicates that award amounts are not specified in the summary data and applicants must refer to the full FOA text for expected funding levels, performance period details, and budget rules.
Applicants are directed to the full FOA and application instructions via FedConnect (link provided in the announcement). For access issues, the point of contact listed is Warren Riley, Contracting Officer at the DOE Office of Science (630-252-2485, warren.riley@science.doe.gov).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is titled Energy Innovation Hub Renewal: Fuels from Sunlight.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is DE-FOA-0001205.
Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?
This announcement is offered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science.
What is being funded: a new Hub or a renewal?
This is a renewal application for the existing Fuels from Sunlight Energy Innovation Hub. It is not intended to restart the Hub from scratch; it is intended to build directly on prior accomplishments and existing infrastructure.
What is the main purpose of the renewal?
The core purpose is to extend and deepen the Hub's prior work, with a sharper emphasis on the research and development needed to make photochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) efficient, sustainable, and scalable.
What technical area does the FOA focus on?
The program focuses on advancing science and engineering that can use sunlight to drive chemical reactions that convert CO2 into fuels or fuel-relevant chemicals, helping move the field toward viable solar-to-fuels pathways.
Does the FOA emphasize basic research, applied research, or both?
It is rooted in basic science and supports discovery research across the full innovation chain, from fundamental understanding of materials and reaction mechanisms to more applied efforts that validate how pieces work together.
Are prototypes allowed or encouraged under this renewal?
Yes. While the Hub remains rooted in basic science, the FOA explicitly encourages prototype development when it helps test component integration, reveal real-world performance limits, or demonstrate capabilities that cannot be evaluated through isolated experiments alone.
What does the FOA mean by "tightly coupled" research?
The FOA indicates a preference for research where advances in catalysts, light absorbers, interfaces, and system architecture inform one another, rather than progressing in separate silos.
What kind of project planning and management does DOE expect?
DOE expects the Hub to operate under a comprehensive project plan organized around clear five-year goals, and to function as a coordinated, milestone-driven R&D enterprise rather than a loose collection of independent projects.
What should the application include in terms of milestones and decision points?
The application is expected to lay out substantive, measurable scientific and technical milestones, along with key decision points and alternate strategies if critical-path approaches do not work as expected.
Why does DOE emphasize milestones, decisions, and alternate strategies?
That framework signals DOE wants disciplined program execution, including clear criteria for down-selecting approaches, redirecting effort, and managing risk while staying focused on outcomes relevant to scalable CO2 photoreduction.
What is the award type for this opportunity?
This is a discretionary funding opportunity using a cooperative agreement.
What does "cooperative agreement" imply for DOE involvement?
A cooperative agreement typically means DOE anticipates substantial involvement in project oversight, coordination, and performance monitoring during the award period.
What is the activity category for this FOA?
The activity category is science and technology and other research and development.
What CFDA program is associated with this announcement?
This opportunity is associated with CFDA 81.049 (Office of Science Financial Assistance Program).
Is cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. The FOA states that cost sharing or matching is required, meaning a portion of project costs must be covered by non-federal contributions consistent with the FOA terms.
Who is eligible to apply as the prime applicant?
Eligibility is narrowly defined: the prime applicant must already be the prime awardee of the existing Fuels from Sunlight Hub. This is a true renewal action rather than an open competition for new Hub leadership.
Are there any nonprofit eligibility restrictions noted in the FOA summary?
Yes. The FOA notes that certain nonprofit organizations, specifically 501(c)(4) entities that have engaged in lobbying activities after December 31, 1995, are not eligible to apply.
What types of eligible applicant organizations are mentioned?
Eligible applicant types listed include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and other entities as clarified in the FOA's eligibility section.
When was the FOA posted?
The FOA was posted on November 25, 2014.
What is the application closing date?
The closing date is January 7, 2015.
What happens if an application is submitted late?
The FOA includes an explicit warning that late applications will not be reviewed or considered for award.
Where do applicants find the full FOA and application instructions?
Applicants are directed to access the full FOA and application instructions via FedConnect (link provided in the announcement).
The listing shows estimated total funding and award ceiling/floor as 0. What does that mean?
The listing shows estimated total funding and award ceiling/floor as 0, which typically indicates that award amounts are not specified in the summary data. Applicants are expected to refer to the full FOA text for expected funding levels, performance period details, and budget rules.
Who is the point of contact for access issues or questions referenced in the announcement?
The point of contact listed is Warren Riley, Contracting Officer at the DOE Office of Science, at 630-252-2485 or warren.riley@science.doe.gov.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Consulate Cup Model UN Competition
Previous opportunity: Conservation education and mentorship program
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for DE FOA 0001205
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0001205) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Naval Platform Power and Energy Apply for ONR 15 SN 0005 Funding Number: ONR 15 SN 0005 Agency: Office of Naval Research Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Exploratory Research for Extreme Scale Science Apply for DE FOA 0001250 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001250 Agency: Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research Coordination Networks (RCN) Apply for 15 527 Funding Number: 15 527 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Californian CESU Apply for G15AS00018 Funding Number: G15AS00018 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Edge Directed Cyber Technologies for Reliable Mission Apply for DARPA BAA 15 10 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 15 10 Agency: DARPA Information Innovation Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Call for Partnership Concept Papers for the Partnering to Accelerate Entrepreneurship (PACE) Initiative Apply for RFA OAA 15 000001 Funding Number: RFA OAA 15 000001 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Hurricane Sandy Modeling Salt Marsh Condition and Resiliency in four National Parks based on Local Sea Level Rise Prediction Apply for P15AS00011 Funding Number: P15AS00011 Agency: National Park Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD FY14 Defense Medical Research and Development Program Team Performance Training Research Initiative Apply for W81XWH 14 DMRDP JPC1 TPT Funding Number: W81XWH 14 DMRDP JPC1 TPT Agency: Dept. of the Army USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2014 Severe Storm Research Apply for NNH14ZDA001N WEATHER Funding Number: NNH14ZDA001N WEATHER Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Geotechnical Engineering and Materials Apply for PD 15 1636 Funding Number: PD 15 1636 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| MOSIAC SBIR/STTR Apply for DE FOA 0001256 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001256 Agency: Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,225,000 |
| Micro Scale Optimized Solar Cell Arrays with Integrated Concentration (MOSAIC) Apply for DE FOA 0001255 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001255 Agency: Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Gulf Coast CESU Apply for G15AS00017 Funding Number: G15AS00017 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Bioeffects Assessments to Prevent Airman Degradation and for Augmenting Performance (BAPADAP) Apply for FOA HPW RHDJ 2014 0005 Funding Number: FOA HPW RHDJ 2014 0005 Agency: Air Force Research Lab Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $42,000,000 |
| Agnostic Compact Demilitarization of Chemical Agents (ACDC) Apply for DARPA BAA 15 12 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 15 12 Agency: DARPA Defense Sciences Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| International Technology Alliance Apply for W911NF 15 R 0003 Funding Number: W911NF 15 R 0003 Agency: Dept of the Army Materiel Command Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000,000 |
| ROSES 2014 Small, Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration Apply for NNH14ZDA001N SIMPLEX Funding Number: NNH14ZDA001N SIMPLEX Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| ROSES 2014 Terrestrial Ecology Apply for NNH14ZDA001N TE Funding Number: NNH14ZDA001N TE Agency: NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program Apply for 2015 NIST SURF 01 Funding Number: 2015 NIST SURF 01 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Electrical Prescriptions (ElectRx) Apply for DARPA BAA 15 06 Funding Number: DARPA BAA 15 06 Agency: DARPA Biological Technologies Office Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "DE FOA 0001205", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.