Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001581
Apply for DE FOA 0001581
- The DOE-GFO in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Notice of Intent (NOI) DE-FOA-0001581 to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0001232" 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 Apr 15, 2016 and posted on Apr 15, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by This is a Notice of Intent, no application due date necessary.. (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 $2.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
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Opportunity Summary:
Notice of Intent (NOI) DE-FOA-0001581 is an advance heads-up from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), that it planned to release a separate Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) called "Project Definition for Pilot and Demonstration Scale Manufacturing of Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biopower (PD2B3)" (referenced as DE-FOA-0001232). In practical terms, the NOI itself is not a call for applications and does not have a submission deadline; it simply signals that an application opportunity was expected soon and that details could change once the full FOA was published.
The upcoming PD2B3 FOA was intended to support project definition and technology development planning for making drop-in hydrocarbon biofuels, related bioproducts, or intermediate products in integrated biorefineries operating at pilot or demonstration scale. The core purpose is scale-up and validation: DOE was trying to push promising conversion pathways beyond lab and bench work into larger, integrated systems where performance, operability, and reliability can be proven. That kind of validation is seen as a necessary step before private industry is willing to finance pioneer-scale and full commercial facilities, because pilot and demo projects reduce technical and financial risk by producing real operating data and exposing integration issues early.
Feedstock flexibility was a major feature. Projects using cellulosic biomass, algal biomass, or biosolids were specifically identified as eligible feedstock directions. The emphasis on these materials reflects DOE interest in high-impact, non-food, and waste-derived resources that can improve sustainability and potentially lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Cellulosic pathways typically involve agricultural residues, woody biomass, or energy crops; algal pathways can offer high productivity and potential co-products; and biosolids and other waste streams offer the dual benefit of renewable energy production and waste management.
Applicants under the FOA would be expected to propose within one comprehensive topic area that DOE framed around three main priority areas. The first priority area focused on pilot-scale production of biofuels from high-impact cellulosic, algal, or biogas-related feedstocks, aligning with earlier-stage scale-up where process integration is tested and key unit operations are proven at meaningful throughput. The second priority area targeted demonstration-scale production from high-impact cellulosic, algal, or biogas feedstocks, which generally implies larger, more integrated systems intended to run longer and generate stronger evidence for commercial readiness. The third priority area covered production of biopower and/or biofuels from biosolids and other waste streams, highlighting interest in technologies that can convert municipal or industrial residues into energy products while addressing disposal challenges.
DOE indicated it anticipated making multiple financial assistance awards using cooperative agreements. Cooperative agreements typically mean DOE has substantial involvement during project execution compared to a standard grant, such as participation in technical reviews, setting milestones, and coordinating on data and reporting. The structure described a phased approach: an initial design phase estimated at roughly 1 to 2 years, followed by a down-select review at the end of that design phase. Only projects that met performance and readiness expectations at that decision point might be authorized to proceed into a second phase covering construction and operations, which is where facilities would be built or upgraded and the integrated process would be demonstrated in practice.
On eligibility and administrative basics, the opportunity was listed as discretionary funding in the energy category (CFDA 81.087) with unrestricted eligibility, meaning a broad range of entity types could potentially apply, subject to any clarifications that would appear in the final FOA text. The agency associated with the posting was DOE-GFO, and the NOI was created and posted on April 15, 2016. Because this posting was only a notice of intent, it explicitly stated there was no application due date and that DOE would not answer questions about the NOI itself. Instead, DOE planned to provide a formal Q&A path only after the FOA was officially released.
DOE also specified that it planned to issue the FOA in May 2016 through the EERE Exchange portal (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/). Anyone wanting official updates was encouraged to register in EERE Exchange, and DOE made clear that once the FOA was released, applications would be accepted only through that system. This is important for prospective applicants because EERE Exchange registration is typically required to access full application forms, submit mandatory documents, and receive amendments or clarifications that can affect compliance and competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is DE-FOA-0001581?
DE-FOA-0001581 is a Notice of Intent (NOI) issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). It served as an advance notice that DOE planned to release a separate Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) related to pilot and demonstration scale manufacturing of biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower.
2) Is the NOI (DE-FOA-0001581) an open funding opportunity?
No. The NOI itself is not a call for applications. It does not accept applications and it does not have a submission deadline.
3) What FOA did this NOI say DOE planned to release?
The NOI indicated DOE planned to release a separate FOA titled "Project Definition for Pilot and Demonstration Scale Manufacturing of Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biopower (PD2B3)," referenced as DE-FOA-0001232.
4) What was the purpose of the planned PD2B3 FOA?
The planned PD2B3 FOA was intended to support project definition and technology development planning for producing drop-in hydrocarbon biofuels, related bioproducts, or intermediate products in integrated biorefineries operating at pilot or demonstration scale.
5) What kinds of outcomes was DOE trying to achieve through this planned FOA?
The emphasis was on scale-up and validation of promising conversion pathways beyond lab and bench scale into larger, integrated systems. DOE’s goal was to generate operating data and validate performance, operability, and reliability at pilot or demonstration scale to reduce risk and help enable private financing for pioneer-scale and commercial facilities.
6) What types of products were in scope?
The planned FOA scope included drop-in hydrocarbon biofuels, related bioproducts, and intermediate products made in integrated biorefineries operating at pilot or demonstration scale.
7) What is meant by "drop-in hydrocarbon biofuels" in this context?
Based on the information provided, DOE was focused on hydrocarbon biofuels that can function as direct substitutes for conventional petroleum-derived fuels, with project efforts aimed at validating these pathways in integrated pilot or demonstration biorefinery systems.
8) What feedstocks were specifically highlighted as eligible directions?
The NOI specifically identified cellulosic biomass, algal biomass, and biosolids as eligible feedstock directions.
9) Why was feedstock flexibility emphasized?
DOE highlighted non-food and waste-derived resources (such as cellulosic materials, algae, and biosolids) due to sustainability goals and the potential to lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, while also supporting high-impact pathways and, in the case of wastes, providing waste management benefits.
10) What are examples of the feedstock categories mentioned?
Cellulosic pathways typically involve agricultural residues, woody biomass, or energy crops. Algal pathways can offer high productivity and potential co-products. Biosolids and other waste streams can provide renewable energy production benefits while addressing disposal challenges.
11) What topic structure did DOE describe for applicant proposals?
Applicants were expected to propose within one comprehensive topic area framed around three main priority areas described by DOE.
12) What were the three priority areas DOE described?
DOE described: (1) pilot-scale production of biofuels from high-impact cellulosic, algal, or biogas-related feedstocks; (2) demonstration-scale production from high-impact cellulosic, algal, or biogas feedstocks; and (3) production of biopower and/or biofuels from biosolids and other waste streams.
13) What was the focus of the pilot-scale priority area?
The pilot-scale area focused on earlier-stage scale-up where process integration is tested and key unit operations are proven at meaningful throughput, using high-impact cellulosic, algal, or biogas-related feedstocks.
14) What was the focus of the demonstration-scale priority area?
The demonstration-scale area targeted larger, more integrated systems intended to run longer and generate stronger evidence of commercial readiness, using high-impact cellulosic, algal, or biogas feedstocks.
15) What was the focus of the biosolids and waste-streams priority area?
This area highlighted technologies that convert biosolids and other waste streams into biopower and/or biofuels, aligning energy production with waste management needs.
16) What kind of funding instrument did DOE anticipate using?
DOE indicated it anticipated making multiple financial assistance awards using cooperative agreements.
17) What does a cooperative agreement imply compared to a standard grant?
Based on the NOI description, cooperative agreements typically involve substantial DOE involvement during project execution, such as participating in technical reviews, setting milestones, and coordinating on data and reporting.
18) Did DOE describe a phased project structure?
Yes. DOE described a phased approach with an initial design phase followed by a down-select review, after which only certain projects might proceed to a second phase.
19) How long was the initial design phase expected to last?
The initial design phase was estimated at roughly 1 to 2 years.
20) What happens at the down-select review?
DOE planned to conduct a down-select review at the end of the design phase. Only projects that met performance and readiness expectations at that point might be authorized to proceed to Phase 2.
21) What activities were expected in Phase 2?
Phase 2 was described as covering construction and operations, where facilities would be built or upgraded and the integrated process would be demonstrated in practice.
22) What was the funding category and program listing information provided?
The opportunity was listed as discretionary funding in the energy category with CFDA 81.087.
23) What did the posting say about eligibility?
It was described as having unrestricted eligibility, meaning a broad range of entity types could potentially apply, subject to any clarifications that would appear in the final FOA text.
24) Which DOE office and posting agency were associated with this NOI?
The NOI was associated with DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), and the agency associated with the posting was listed as DOE-GFO.
25) When was the NOI created and posted?
The NOI was created and posted on April 15, 2016.
26) Was there an application due date for this NOI?
No. The NOI explicitly stated there was no application due date.
27) Would DOE answer questions about the NOI?
No. The posting stated DOE would not answer questions about the NOI itself.
28) When would DOE provide an official Q&A path?
DOE indicated it planned to provide a formal Q&A path only after the FOA was officially released.
29) When did DOE indicate it planned to issue the FOA?
DOE specified it planned to issue the FOA in May 2016.
30) Where would the FOA be issued and where would applications be submitted?
DOE planned to issue the FOA through the EERE Exchange portal (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/), and it stated that once released, applications would be accepted only through that system.
31) Why is registering in EERE Exchange important for prospective applicants?
Registration in EERE Exchange was encouraged for official updates. DOE also indicated the system is used to access full application forms, submit required documents, and receive amendments or clarifications that can affect compliance and competitiveness.
32) Could details change between the NOI and the final FOA?
Yes. The NOI was an advance heads-up and noted that details could change once the full FOA was published.
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| Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number DE-FOA-0001232: Project Development for Pilot and Demonstration Scale Manufacturing of Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biopower (PD2B3) Apply for DE FOA 0001232 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001232 Agency: DOE-GFO Category: Energy Funding Amount: $15,000,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement No. DE-FOA-0001518 “Scaling up the Next Generation of Building Efficiency Packages†Apply for DE FOA 0001595 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001595 Agency: DOE-GFO Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies, Fiscal Year 2016 Apply for DE FOA 0001573 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001573 Agency: DOE-GFO Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute for Reducing EMbodied-energy And Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) in Materials Manufacturing Apply for DE FOA 0001593 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001593 Agency: DOE-GFO Category: Energy Funding Amount: $70,000,000 |
| Enabling Technologies for Advanced Combustion Systems Apply for DE FOA 0001543 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001543 Agency: DOE-NETL Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| National Laser Users' Facility (NLUF) Apply for DE FOA 0001568 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001568 Agency: DOE-NNSA Category: Energy Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Remote Alaskan Communities Energy Efficiency Competition Apply for DE FOA 0001567 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001567 Agency: DOE-GFO Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Vehicle Technologies Multi-Topic Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001535 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001535 Agency: DOE-NETL Category: Energy Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Request for Information (RFI): Strategies for Performance of 700 Bar Compressed H Storage Systems Apply for DE FOA 0001596 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001596 Agency: DOE-GFO Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| REVOLUTIONARY BIOMASS SUPPLY SYSTEMS SUPPORTING A BILLION TON BIOECONOMY VISION Apply for DE FOA 0001603 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001603 Agency: DOE-GFO Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Next-Generation Transformers – Flexible Designs Apply for DE FOA 0001579 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001579 Agency: DOE-NETL Category: Energy Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| RFI: Medium and Heavy Duty Fuel Cell Electric Truck Targets Apply for DE FOA 0001600 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001600 Agency: DOE-GFO Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute for Reducing Embodied-energy of Materials and Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) in Manufacturing Apply for DE FOA 0001594 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001594 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $70,000,000 |
| Request for Information: Advanced HVAC&R Research and Development (R&D) Apply for DE FOA 0001590 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001590 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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