Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) — Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) | Apply Online

SPARK (DE FOA 0003580) Grant Opportunity FAQs

1) What is the SPARK funding opportunity?

SPARK stands for "Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades." It is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding opportunity under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) focused on quickly increasing electric transmission system capacity and overall usefulness to keep up with rising electricity demand and support resource adequacy.

2) What problem is DOE trying to solve with SPARK?

DOE is targeting transmission constraints that limit how much power the grid can move and how reliably it can serve load, especially under peak conditions or contingencies. SPARK is meant to accelerate near-term, meaningful increases in transfer capability and improve reliability, resilience, security, and affordability for consumers.

3) Who is administering this opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by the National Energy Technology Laboratory. The notice also references DOE's grid-focused work as "OE" in the announcement.

4) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA) for SPARK?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DE FOA 0003580.

5) What type of funding mechanism will DOE use?

Awards will be made using a cooperative agreement. This generally means DOE expects substantial involvement during the project, such as milestone reviews, technical direction, and oversight, compared to a standard grant.

6) What is the application deadline?

The listed application closing date is May 20, 2026.

7) What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling (maximum award amount) listed is $250,000,000.

8) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The notice references CFDA number 81.254.

9) What is the program trying to achieve in practical terms?

In practical terms, SPARK is designed to help the grid move more power, more reliably, with less cost pressure on consumers. It emphasizes quickly increasing transmission capacity while improving the operational performance of the system.

10) What kinds of projects is SPARK looking for?

DOE is looking for proposals that combine durable physical upgrades (for example, reconductoring existing transmission lines or other targeted infrastructure improvements) with operational gains enabled by Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs). The intent is to pair "steel-in-the-ground" capacity increases with "brains-on-the-grid" improvements.

11) What does "reconductoring" mean in this context?

Reconductoring generally refers to replacing existing conductors with higher-capacity or advanced conductors so an existing line can carry more power without building a new transmission corridor. This approach can avoid lengthy siting challenges.

12) What are Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) in SPARK?

ATTs are technologies that improve monitoring, control, flexibility, and real-time utilization of the grid so that existing assets can be used more efficiently. The notice frames ATTs as a way to unlock operational benefits under everyday conditions and during stressed operating events.

13) Is it enough to propose only equipment replacement or only technology upgrades?

SPARK emphasizes proposals that combine durable physical upgrades (like reconductoring and other targeted infrastructure improvements) with operational gains from ATTs. Projects are expected to demonstrate measurable improvements in both transmission capacity and "system value," meaning benefits beyond simply building or replacing equipment.

14) What does DOE mean by "system value"?

"System value" means the project should deliver tangible benefits beyond equipment installation. In the SPARK framing, this includes improvements enabled by operational changes and advanced technologies that increase real-time utilization, flexibility, monitoring, and control, alongside physical capacity gains.

15) What outcomes must applications clearly explain?

Applications are expected to clearly explain how the proposed upgrades will (1) expand transfer capability (how much power can be moved from one area to another), (2) strengthen reliability and resource adequacy (the ability to serve load consistently and maintain sufficient resources under peak and contingency conditions), and (3) reduce impacts on consumers' costs.

16) What is "transfer capability" as used here?

Transfer capability is described as how much power can be moved from one area to another. SPARK proposals should quantify how the project increases this ability.

17) What does DOE mean by "resource adequacy"?

The notice describes resource adequacy as the ability to serve load consistently and maintain sufficient resources under peak and contingency conditions.

18) Does SPARK favor projects using existing rights of way?

Yes. A notable emphasis is on achieving gains while using existing rights of way. This signals an interest in projects that can be permitted and executed faster than entirely new transmission builds.

19) Why does DOE emphasize existing rights of way?

The notice indicates this focus is tied to speed: upgrading existing corridors can avoid many delays associated with siting and permitting new transmission lines, helping deliver near-term benefits.

20) What does DOE say it will prioritize?

DOE indicates it will prioritize projects that can be implemented quickly and that deliver both lasting physical improvements and dynamic operational benefits.

21) What broader grid benefits is SPARK aiming for?

The targeted outcome is a transmission system that is higher-performing and more capable, and also more secure, resilient to disruptions, affordable for ratepayers, and reliable.

22) Is SPARK intended to address national-scale needs or local constraints?

Both. The notice describes SPARK as addressing critical needs that may be national in scale or specific to interregional and regional transmission constraints.

23) What kinds of partnerships does SPARK encourage?

SPARK is structured to encourage real-world partnerships among states, local governments, Tribal entities, and power system operators, reflecting that transmission planning and operations cut across jurisdictions and require coordination.

24) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is summarized as "Others." The notice directs applicants to Section II.A of the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the full eligibility requirements and details on who can apply and under what conditions.

25) What is the funding activity category?

The opportunity falls under the energy funding activity category.

26) What does it mean that SPARK is a discretionary funding opportunity?

The notice describes SPARK as discretionary, meaning DOE will make awards through a competitive selection process rather than by formula distribution.

27) How should applicants think about measuring project success?

A central requirement is that proposed projects must show measurable improvements in both transmission capacity and system value. Applications are expected to quantify results and present a credible path to timely deployment.

28) What does "credible path to timely deployment" imply for an application?

The notice emphasizes implementability and speed. Proposals should show how the project will be executed quickly, including how the combination of upgrades (physical and operational) will translate into near-term, measurable benefits.