Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001461
Apply for DE FOA 0001461
- The Department of Energy, Golden Field Office in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number DE-FOA-0001461: Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.087.
- This funding opportunity was created on Aug 01, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 18, 2016 Deadline for Concept Papers 08/15/2016 500 pm (ET) Deadline for Full Applications 09/18/2016 500 pm (ET). (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $3,000,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number DE-FOA-0001461, titled Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines, is a joint funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), led collaboratively by the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO). The core purpose of the FOA is to advance the DOE Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima) initiative, which focuses on pairing fuel innovation with engine innovation so the two are designed and evaluated together rather than in isolation. The overarching goal is to speed up the real-world availability and adoption of high-performance fuels that are affordable, scalable to large markets, and sustainable, while also enabling high-efficiency, low-emission engine technologies that can take advantage of those fuels.
A central theme of the Co-Optima initiative, as described in this FOA, is “tandem” research and development: fuel properties and engine performance are investigated concurrently, alongside deployment-oriented assessment work that looks at how candidate fuels and engine concepts could move through commercialization pathways. By coordinating work across multiple DOE offices, DOE National Laboratories, and industry stakeholders, the initiative aims to maximize potential energy savings and improve on-road vehicle performance while sharply reducing petroleum use in transportation. The program is also explicitly aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions tied to transportation, positioning the work as both an energy security and climate-related effort.
Eligibility under this FOA is unusually restrictive. Applicants must be U.S. Institutions of Higher Education, as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1001 and consistent with 2 C.F.R. 200.55, or non-profit research institutions that operate as a division under a U.S. Institution of Higher Education. Importantly, this restriction applies not only to prime recipients but also to subrecipients, meaning project teams must be built entirely within the allowed eligibility boundaries for both lead and partner organizations. In the source eligibility categories, this is framed as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education, consistent with the higher-education-only focus of the solicitation.
From a funding mechanics standpoint, the opportunity is a discretionary DOE funding program administered through the DOE Golden Field Office. The FOA lists cooperative agreements and grants as the funding instruments, indicating DOE anticipated either a more collaborative, involvement-heavy award structure (cooperative agreement) or a more traditional grant structure depending on the project and program needs. The funding activity category is Energy, and the associated CFDA number is 81.087. The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is listed as $3,000,000. The source data lists “ExpectedAwards: 0,” which is sometimes used in postings when the number of awards is not specified in the system record or is dependent on appropriations and application quality rather than being pre-set.
The application process followed a two-stage timeline with a concept paper deadline first and a full application deadline later. Concept papers were due on August 15, 2016 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time, and full applications were due on September 18, 2016 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. The FOA was created on August 1, 2016, with the original closing date recorded as September 18, 2016. DOE directed applicants to access the full announcement and submit through the EERE eXCHANGE platform at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov, which is DOE EERE’s standard portal for reviewing FOA documents, amendments, and submission requirements.
In practical terms, this FOA is aimed at university-led research efforts that can contribute to the Co-Optima vision: identifying or improving fuel candidates and blending strategies, understanding which fuel properties matter most for next-generation combustion, and aligning those insights with engine concepts capable of higher efficiency and lower emissions. It also reflects a broader DOE strategy of linking fundamental and applied research with deployment considerations, so that the outputs are not just publishable findings, but actionable pathways toward fuels and engines that can be produced at scale, used broadly in the vehicle fleet, and deliver measurable reductions in petroleum consumption and transportation-sector greenhouse gas emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - DE-FOA-0001461: Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines
What is the funding opportunity announcement (FOA) number and title?
The FOA is DE-FOA-0001461, titled "Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines."
Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?
This is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding opportunity within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
Which DOE offices are leading the FOA?
The FOA is led collaboratively by DOE's Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO).
What is the main purpose of this FOA?
The purpose is to advance DOE's Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima) initiative by developing and evaluating fuel innovation and engine innovation together, rather than separately.
What is the Co-Optima initiative trying to achieve overall?
The initiative aims to speed up real-world availability and adoption of high-performance fuels that are affordable, scalable to large markets, and sustainable, while also enabling high-efficiency, low-emission engine technologies that can take advantage of those fuels.
What does "co-optimization" mean in the context of this FOA?
Co-optimization means fuels and engines are designed, investigated, and evaluated as a coordinated system so fuel properties and engine performance are aligned from the beginning instead of being developed in isolation.
What is meant by "tandem" research and development in this FOA?
"Tandem" R&D refers to investigating fuel properties and engine performance concurrently, alongside deployment-oriented assessment work that considers how candidate fuels and engine concepts could progress through commercialization pathways.
How does this FOA connect research with deployment or commercialization?
The FOA emphasizes assessment work that looks at commercialization pathways, reflecting a DOE approach that links research outputs to actionable routes toward scalable production, broad use in the vehicle fleet, and measurable impacts.
What outcomes is DOE aiming for in transportation?
The initiative is intended to maximize potential energy savings, improve on-road vehicle performance, sharply reduce petroleum use in transportation, and cut transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Who is eligible to apply as a prime applicant?
Eligibility is limited to U.S. Institutions of Higher Education as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1001 and consistent with 2 C.F.R. 200.55, or non-profit research institutions that operate as a division under a U.S. Institution of Higher Education.
Are subrecipients and partners subject to the same eligibility rules?
Yes. The eligibility restriction applies to both prime recipients and subrecipients, meaning the full project team must fit within the allowed higher-education-focused eligibility boundaries.
What types of institutions does the eligibility description point to?
The eligibility categories are framed around public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education, consistent with the higher-education-only focus.
What is the administering DOE office for this FOA?
The FOA is administered through the DOE Golden Field Office.
Is this a discretionary funding program?
Yes. The opportunity is described as a discretionary DOE funding program.
What funding instruments are anticipated?
The FOA lists cooperative agreements and grants as the funding instruments. This indicates awards may be structured either as cooperative agreements (with more DOE involvement) or as more traditional grants, depending on project and program needs.
What is the funding activity category for this FOA?
The funding activity category is Energy.
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The associated CFDA number is 81.087.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed for this FOA is $3,000,000.
How many awards does DOE expect to make?
The source data lists "ExpectedAwards: 0." In postings, this can appear when the number of awards is not specified in the system record or is dependent on factors such as appropriations and application quality rather than being pre-set.
Was there a concept paper requirement?
Yes. The application process followed a two-stage timeline with a concept paper deadline first, followed by a full application deadline.
When were concept papers due?
Concept papers were due on August 15, 2016 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.
When were full applications due?
Full applications were due on September 18, 2016 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.
When was the FOA created and what was the closing date?
The FOA was created on August 1, 2016. The original closing date recorded was September 18, 2016.
Where were applicants directed to find the full announcement and submit applications?
DOE directed applicants to access the full announcement and submit through the EERE eXCHANGE platform at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov.
What is EERE eXCHANGE in relation to this FOA?
EERE eXCHANGE is DOE EERE's standard portal for reviewing FOA documents, amendments, and submission requirements, and for submitting applications.
What kinds of projects is this FOA aimed at supporting?
It is aimed at university-led research efforts that support the Co-Optima vision, such as identifying or improving fuel candidates and blending strategies, understanding which fuel properties matter most for next-generation combustion, and aligning those insights with engine concepts capable of higher efficiency and lower emissions.
What broader strategy does this FOA reflect within DOE?
It reflects a DOE strategy of linking fundamental and applied research with deployment considerations so results contribute to scalable fuels and engines that can be widely used and reduce petroleum consumption and transportation-sector greenhouse gas emissions.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Energy
Next opportunity: Cane River National Heritage Area
Previous opportunity: FY 2017 Marine Fisheries Initiative (MARFIN)
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 0001461
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0001461) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| U.S-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center Apply for DE FOA 0001606 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001606 Agency: Department of Energy, Headquarters Category: Energy Funding Amount: $7,500,000 |
| FY2017 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001515 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001515 Agency: Department of Energy, Idaho Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| First Steps Toward Developing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on Tribal Lands – 2016 Apply for DE FOA 0001621 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001621 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Request for Information - DE-FOA-0001635 - POTENTIAL TECHNICAL FOCUS AREAS FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING-RELATED TRAINEESHIPS Apply for DE FOA 0001635 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001635 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information (RFI): Cellulosic Sugar and Lignin Production Capabilities Apply for DE FOA 0001615 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001615 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| FY2017 Scientific Infrastructure Support for CINR Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001516 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001516 Agency: Department of Energy, Idaho Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| DE-FOA-0001631: Request for Information: Miscellaneous Electric Loads (MELs) Energy Efficiency Research and Development Apply for DE FOA 0001631 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001631 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| RFI: Wind Wildlife Operational and Compensatory Mitigation Apply for DE FOA 0001668 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001668 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue: DE-FOA-0001660 - Deployment of Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects on Indian Lands - 2016 Apply for DE FOA 0001659 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001659 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Topics for Advanced Combustion Systems of the Future Apply for DE FOA 0001665 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001665 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| University Turbine Systems Request for Information FY17 Apply for DE FOA 0001671 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001671 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information: Teaming Partner List for Upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcement: Buildings Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) - 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001675 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001675 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001672 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001672 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent (NOI) DE-FOA-0001680 to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0001647 Apply for DE FOA 0001680 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001680 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Collaboration Opportunity Notice with the National Energy Technology Laboratory Apply for DE FOA 0001687 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001687 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Scaling Up the Next Generation of Building Efficiency Packages Apply for DE FOA 0001518 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001518 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Notice of Intent to issue Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0001630: Building America Industry Partnerships for High Performance Housing Innovation - 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001690 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001690 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Geothermal Deep Direct-Use Feasibility Studies Apply for DE FOA 0001642 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001642 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research Needs Related to Unconventional Oil and Natural Gas, Beneficial Use of Produced Water, Offshore Spill Prevention, Natural Gas Conversion, and Offshore Carbon Dioxide Storage/Enhanced Oil Recovery Apply for DE FOA 0001693 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001693 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| RFI - HydroNEXT: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development of Hydropower in Undeveloped Stream Reaches of the United States Apply for DE FOA 0001685 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001685 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy 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 0001461", 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.