Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001216
Apply for DE FOA 0001216
- The Golden Field Office in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Request for Information Solar Decathlon 2017" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.086 Conservation Research and Development.
- This funding opportunity was created on Oct 8, 2014 and posted on Oct 8, 2014.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 24, 2014. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Request for Information (RFI) titled "Solar Decathlon 2017" (Funding Opportunity Number DE FOA 0001216) was issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), specifically through the Golden Field Office, under the Energy activity area (CFDA 81.086, Conservation Research and Development). Unlike a typical grant competition, this notice was not a Funding Opportunity Announcement and did not invite proposals for funding. Its purpose was to gather input, ideas, and recommendations that could shape the future direction of DOE-supported Solar Decathlon competitions and related solar-powered housing programs over the long term. In other words, DOE was using the RFI as a listening exercise to inform strategy, improve results, and ensure future Solar Decathlon efforts deliver stronger public value.
A central theme of the RFI was outcomes and national benefits. DOE asked stakeholders to comment on what additional U.S. benefits future Solar Decathlon-style programs should prioritize beyond what the competition had historically delivered. This could include things like accelerating adoption of energy-efficient and solar-integrated housing, improving grid interaction and resilience, reducing costs and construction barriers, strengthening workforce development, advancing building science, improving affordability and equity outcomes, and encouraging market-ready innovation that industry can scale. DOE was essentially signaling that the Solar Decathlon should not only be an educational showcase, but also a mechanism for measurable, broader impact, and the RFI sought guidance on what those impacts should be and how to design the program to achieve them.
Another major focus was the format of the competition itself. DOE requested feedback on whether the existing Solar Decathlon model was still the best way to achieve the desired benefits, or whether alternative formats could deliver higher value to the United States. Stakeholders were invited to weigh in on the strengths and weaknesses of the current competition structure, how it might be improved, and what other models might work better (for example, approaches that reduce logistical burdens, increase participation, emphasize deployment in real communities, better integrate with industry and code officials, or create pathways for innovations to move from prototypes to mainstream construction). The RFI explicitly left the door open to the idea that the best future program might not look exactly like the traditional Solar Decathlon, and it asked respondents to think creatively about options that could increase impact, reduce cost, or improve the connection between competition results and real-world adoption.
Location selection was also raised as a specific decision point tied to format. DOE asked that if respondents believed the current or a similar format should continue, they should provide suggestions on how DOE ought to identify future host locations for Solar Decathlon events. This reflects the reality that location influences many practical and strategic elements, such as climate conditions, regional building practices, partnerships with local governments and utilities, public visibility, accessibility for teams and visitors, and the ability to demonstrate solutions relevant to different U.S. regions. By asking for input on site selection criteria, DOE was looking for a more deliberate, benefit-driven method to choose venues rather than relying on ad hoc or purely logistical considerations.
The opportunity was open to an unrestricted set of respondents, meaning input was welcome from essentially any entity or individual, including past and present Solar Decathlon participants, universities and other academic groups, private sector companies, sponsors, and other stakeholders with relevant expertise or interest. Although the notice lists "Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes," the overall context makes clear this was an information request rather than a funding vehicle, so the practical emphasis was on submitting feedback rather than preparing budgets or matching funds for an award. The posting date was October 8, 2014, and the response deadline (original and current closing date) was November 24, 2014, with the notice later archived on February 24, 2015. The funding fields in the listing show zero dollars for estimated total funding and award amounts, consistent with the fact that it was not a grantmaking announcement.
For access and submission logistics, DOE pointed respondents to the EERE Exchange website (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov) and provided a point of contact for questions or difficulties accessing the announcement: Ryan N. McCleary at solardecathlonRFI@ee.doe.gov. Overall, the RFI functioned as a structured request for practical recommendations intended to help DOE refine the goals, structure, and execution of future Solar Decathlon competitions or successor programs, with a strong emphasis on maximizing long-term national benefits rather than simply continuing the program unchanged.
FAQs: DOE Request for Information (RFI) - Solar Decathlon 2017 (DE FOA 0001216)
What is this opportunity?
This opportunity is a Request for Information (RFI) titled "Solar Decathlon 2017" with Funding Opportunity Number DE FOA 0001216, issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Golden Field Office under the Energy activity area (CFDA 81.086, Conservation Research and Development).
Is this a grant or funding opportunity I can apply to?
No. This notice was not a Funding Opportunity Announcement and did not invite proposals for funding. It was issued to gather input, ideas, and recommendations to help shape DOE's future Solar Decathlon competitions and related solar-powered housing programs.
What was DOE trying to accomplish with this RFI?
DOE used the RFI as a listening exercise to inform long-term strategy for DOE-supported Solar Decathlon-style programs. The goal was to improve results, strengthen public value, and determine how future efforts should be designed to produce stronger national benefits.
What kinds of input was DOE asking for?
DOE asked stakeholders for feedback on (1) the outcomes and national benefits future Solar Decathlon-style programs should prioritize, (2) whether the existing competition format is still the best model or whether alternatives would create more value, and (3) how to select host locations if a similar format continues.
What did DOE mean by "outcomes and national benefits"?
DOE was asking what additional benefits to the United States future Solar Decathlon-style programs should prioritize beyond what the competition had historically delivered. The RFI emphasized measurable, broader impact rather than only an educational showcase.
What examples of national benefits did DOE suggest stakeholders consider?
The RFI referenced potential benefits such as accelerating adoption of energy-efficient and solar-integrated housing, improving grid interaction and resilience, reducing costs and construction barriers, strengthening workforce development, advancing building science, improving affordability and equity outcomes, and encouraging market-ready innovation that industry can scale.
Was DOE considering changes to the Solar Decathlon competition model?
Yes. DOE explicitly requested feedback on whether the existing Solar Decathlon model was still the best way to achieve desired benefits or whether alternative formats could deliver higher value to the United States.
What types of alternative formats was DOE open to?
The RFI invited creative thinking on options that could increase impact, reduce cost, or improve the connection between competition results and real-world adoption. Examples mentioned included approaches that reduce logistical burdens, increase participation, emphasize deployment in real communities, better integrate with industry and code officials, or create pathways for innovations to move from prototypes to mainstream construction.
Did DOE indicate that the future program might not look like the traditional Solar Decathlon?
Yes. The RFI left the door open to the idea that the best future program might not look exactly like the traditional Solar Decathlon and asked respondents to weigh in on what model would best achieve national benefits.
What did DOE ask about host locations?
DOE asked that if respondents believed the current or a similar format should continue, they should provide suggestions on how DOE should identify future host locations for Solar Decathlon events.
Why does host location matter for this program?
The RFI highlighted that location affects climate conditions, regional building practices, partnerships with local governments and utilities, public visibility, accessibility for teams and visitors, and the ability to demonstrate solutions relevant to different U.S. regions.
Who was allowed to respond to this RFI?
The RFI was open to an unrestricted set of respondents. Input was welcome from essentially any entity or individual, including past and present Solar Decathlon participants, universities and other academic groups, private sector companies, sponsors, and other stakeholders with relevant expertise or interest.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
The notice listed "Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: Yes." However, the overall context makes clear this was an information request rather than a funding vehicle, so the practical emphasis was on submitting feedback rather than preparing budgets or matching funds for an award.
How much funding was available under this notice?
No funding was offered through this RFI. The listing showed zero dollars for estimated total funding and award amounts, consistent with it being an information request rather than a grantmaking announcement.
When was the RFI posted and when were responses due?
The posting date was October 8, 2014. The response deadline (original and current closing date) was November 24, 2014.
Is this opportunity still open?
No. The notice was later archived on February 24, 2015.
Where did DOE direct respondents to access and submit information?
DOE pointed respondents to the EERE Exchange website at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov for access and submission logistics.
Who was the point of contact for questions or access issues?
The point of contact listed for questions or difficulties accessing the announcement was Ryan N. McCleary. The email provided was solardecathlonRFI@ee.doe.gov.
What agency and office issued this RFI?
The RFI was issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), specifically through the Golden Field Office.
What program area did DOE associate with this RFI?
The notice was under the Energy activity area and referenced CFDA 81.086, Conservation Research and Development.
What was the overall takeaway or purpose of responding?
Responding was intended to provide practical recommendations to help DOE refine the goals, structure, and execution of future Solar Decathlon competitions or successor programs, with an emphasis on maximizing long-term national benefits.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Energy
Next opportunity: The Coastal Program
Previous opportunity: Hepatitis C Cooperative Research Centers Immunity to HCV Infection (U19)
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 0001216
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0001216) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Buildings Energy Effeciency Frontier Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) 2015 Apply for DE FOA 0001166 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001166 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| NOISustainable and Holistic IntegratioN of Energy storage and Solar PV (SHINES) Apply for DE FOA 0001220 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001220 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| RFI Photovoltaic Module Recycling Apply for DE FOA 0001218 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001218 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies, Fiscal Year 2015 Apply for DE FOA 0001203 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001203 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Landscape Design for Sustainable Bioenergy Systems Apply for DE FOA 0001179 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001179 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue Fiscal Year 15 Biomass Research and Development Initiative Apply for DE FOA 0001217 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001217 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information (RFI) Hydrogen Transmission and Distribution Workshop Report Public Comment Apply for DE FOA 0001187 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001187 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information (RFI) Electrolytic Hydrogen Production Workshop Report Public Comment Apply for DE FOA 0001188 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001188 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advancing Solutions to Improve the Energy Efficiency of U.S. Commercial Buildings Apply for DE FOA 0001168 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001168 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Sustainable and Holistic Integration of Energy Storage and Solar PV (SHINES) Apply for DE FOA 0001108 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001108 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Request for Information (RFI) DE FOA 0001226 High Impact Commercial Building Technology Apply for DE FOA 0001226 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001226 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Buildings University Innovators Leaders Development (BUILD) 2015 Apply for DE FOA 0001167 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001167 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Building America Industry Partnerships for High Performance Housing Innovation Apply for DE FOA 0001117 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001117 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement FY 2015 Vehicle Technologies Office Incubator Apply for DE FOA 0001243 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001243 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Physics of Reliability Evaluating Design Insights for Component Technologies in Solar 2 (PREDICTS2) Apply for DE FOA 0001195 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001195 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| 0The Resilient Electricity Delivery Infrastructure (REDI) Initiative Apply for DE FOA 0001219 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001219 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Notice of Intent Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute on Smart Manufacturing Advanced Sensors, Controls, Platforms, and Modeling for Manufacturing Apply for DE FOA 0001262 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001262 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent for State Energy Program 2015 Competitive Awards Apply for DE FOA 0001253 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001253 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue FOA SunShot Incubator Round 10, SolarMat Round 3, SunPath Round 2 Apply for DE FOA 0001266 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001266 Agency: Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Notice of Intent to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement entitled FY 2015 Vehicle Technologies Program Wide Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001254 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001254 Agency: National Energy Technology Laboratory 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 0001216", 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.