Micro Scale Optimized Solar Cell Arrays with Integrated Concentration (MOSAIC) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - ARPA-E MOSAIC (DE-FOA-0001255)

What is the MOSAIC funding opportunity?

MOSAIC stands for Micro Scale Optimized Solar Cell Arrays with Integrated Concentration. It is an ARPA-E funding announcement (DE-FOA-0001255) focused on advanced research and development in solar technology, specifically early-stage, high-impact innovations that combine micro-scale solar cell arrays with integrated optical concentration to improve performance and cost effectiveness through novel device and system concepts.

Is this posting a new solicitation or an update to an existing one?

This posting describes a modification to the original FOA, not a brand-new solicitation. The changes are largely administrative and process-oriented, but they affect how applicants prepare and submit a compliant application package.

What type of award does ARPA-E plan to make under MOSAIC?

Awards are issued as cooperative agreements. This means ARPA-E expects substantial involvement during the project period, such as active technical management, milestone tracking, and collaboration around go/no-go decisions.

How many awards does ARPA-E expect to make, and how much total funding is anticipated?

ARPA-E anticipated making about 8 awards, with an estimated total program funding level of $15,000,000.

What is the expected range of individual award amounts?

Individual award sizes range from a $250,000 minimum (floor) up to a $10,000,000 maximum (ceiling). This range reflects that ARPA-E expects a mix of project scales and risk profiles.

Is cost sharing required?

Yes. Cost sharing is explicitly required for this opportunity, and the modification emphasizes clarifications to cost share rules. Applicants should plan budgets and funding sources accordingly and follow the FOA requirements.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted in the summary listing, meaning it is broadly open to many entity types. However, applicants must still follow the specific eligibility details and any limitations described in Section III.A of the FOA.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered under CFDA 81.135.

What are the key dates listed for the FOA?

The FOA was posted on December 8, 2014. The original closing date is listed as January 22, 2015, and the later current closing date is listed as May 7, 2015 (reflecting the modification and schedule adjustments). The archive date is listed as August 1, 2015.

Where and how do applications have to be submitted?

Applications must be submitted through ARPA-E eXCHANGE, ARPA-E's online submission portal. It is the only accepted submission portal for this opportunity.

Can concept papers or other materials be submitted by email or through another portal?

No. Concept papers or other materials submitted through alternate channels are not reviewed or considered. Applicants are directed to submit through ARPA-E eXCHANGE only.

Does ARPA-E provide templates, and should applicants use them?

Yes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the official templates provided through ARPA-E eXCHANGE. The FOA modification strengthens guidance on required forms and narrative content and provides clearer formatting and document instructions.

What new or clarified submission guidance is included in the modification?

The modification adds or clarifies key submission deadlines (including deadlines for submitting questions and for submitting full applications). It also highlights that applicants should submit at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid last-minute system or validation issues.

What changes were made regarding the content of full applications?

The modification strengthens guidance on what forms and narrative content must be included in a full application. Multiple FOA sections were revised to provide clearer instructions on formatting, required documents, and other required elements.

Does the modification add any technical or quantitative requirements for proposals?

Yes. The modification adds a new section on required metrics and calculations that must be included in full applications. This signals that ARPA-E wants standardized quantitative reporting so proposals can be compared consistently.

How will ARPA-E evaluate full applications under the updated FOA?

The FOA update adds detail on how ARPA-E will evaluate full applications and how it will evaluate replies to reviewer comments. It also introduces program policy factors that ARPA-E may consider in addition to technical merit, such as alignment with program goals, potential impact, and portfolio balance.

Are replies to reviewer comments part of the process, and are there instructions for them?

Yes. The modification clarifies what narrative content must be included in any reply to reviewer comments, and it adds detail on how those replies will be evaluated.

What is meant by "program policy factors" in this FOA update?

Program policy factors are additional considerations ARPA-E may weigh beyond pure technical merit. The modification cites examples such as alignment with program goals, potential impact, and portfolio balance.

Why does the modification mention regulatory citations and class waivers?

The update provides and revises regulatory citations (C.F.R. references) in multiple places, adds information on class waivers, and identifies regulations applicable to resulting awards. This is intended to help applicants understand upfront what federal requirements may apply if selected.

What reporting or compliance expectations are mentioned for awardees?

The modification inserts reporting requirements, indicating awardees should expect structured progress reporting tied to technical milestones, along with additional compliance obligations typical of federal cooperative agreements. The update also references administrative and national policy requirements that will apply to resulting awards.

Does the FOA update include information about selection announcements and award timing?

Yes. The FOA update adds information about anticipated selection announcements and award dates, as well as full application notifications.

What should applicants do to avoid submission problems close to the deadline?

Applicants are advised to submit at least 48 hours before the deadline to reduce the risk of last-minute system or validation issues.

Where can applicants find submission instructions for ARPA-E eXCHANGE?

Applicants are directed to use the eXCHANGE User Guide for step-by-step submission instructions.

Who is the point of contact for access issues with the announcement?

The point of contact listed for access issues is Nicole D. Clopton at nicole.clopton@hq.doe.gov.

Where should applicants look for the authoritative requirements?

Applicants are expected to consult the complete FOA text on the ARPA-E site for full and authoritative requirements, including the cover page, required documents checklist, and the updated sections referenced in the modification.