Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0001668
Apply for DE FOA 0001668
- The Department of Energy, Golden Field Office in the energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "RFI: Wind Wildlife Operational and Compensatory Mitigation" 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 Sep 22, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 11, 2016. (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 $1.00 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The opportunity titled "RFI: Wind Wildlife Operational and Compensatory Mitigation" (Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0001668) is a Request for Information issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), specifically through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and managed by the Golden Field Office. Rather than seeking full grant applications, DOE is asking the public to provide input that could shape a possible future funding program focused on reducing the impacts of wind energy development on wildlife. The full RFI text was made available through the EERE Exchange website (https://eere-exchange.energy.gov), which is DOE's central portal for clean energy funding-related materials and public notices.
DOE is looking for feedback in two main technical areas tied to wind-wildlife interactions. First, the agency wants ideas and information on how to refine and improve wind turbine operational strategies that reduce impacts to bats. In practice, this often relates to operational changes like curtailment strategies (for example, adjusting cut-in speeds or feathering blades under specific wind and temperature conditions) and other management approaches that can lower bat fatalities while trying to minimize lost energy production and maintain grid reliability. The emphasis on "refine and improve" signals that DOE is interested in moving beyond general concepts toward strategies that are more effective, better validated, and potentially easier for industry to implement consistently across different regions, seasons, and turbine models.
Second, DOE is requesting input on refining and validating compensatory mitigation tools for eagle take. This portion targets situations where, even after all practicable measures are used to minimize impacts, the remaining risk to eagles cannot be reduced to zero. In those cases, compensatory mitigation is meant to offset unavoidable impacts through actions that provide measurable benefits to eagle populations. The RFI language highlights a desire for tools that are not only conceptually sound but also validated, meaning DOE is interested in methods that can be credibly measured, verified, and defended as producing real biological outcomes. This can include approaches that quantify mitigation credits, evaluate effectiveness over time, and ensure that compensation is proportional to the residual risk or take.
From an administrative standpoint, this notice is explicitly not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). That means there is no funding available through this specific posting, and DOE is not accepting applications, proposals, or project submissions at this time. The purpose is information gathering to inform DOE's planning. DOE also states that it may choose to issue a future FOA that is based on, related to, or informed by the responses, but it may also decide not to issue one at all. The agency further clarifies that responding to the RFI will not provide any competitive advantage or disadvantage if a future FOA is released, reinforcing that participation is not part of a scored competition.
The response process is straightforward and time-bound. Responses had to be submitted electronically by email to WindWildlife@ee.doe.gov, with the deadline set for 5:00 pm Eastern Time on October 11, 2016. DOE required that responses be provided as attachments to the email rather than embedded in the message body. The notice also makes clear that EERE would not respond to questions about the RFI, which is typical for some RFIs where the agency wants to avoid one-on-one guidance and instead collect broad input on the topic.
Even though the source data lists a funding instrument type of "Cooperative Agreement," the RFI itself does not provide award details because it is not an active funding competition. The listing also indicates an expected number of awards of zero, consistent with the RFI status. Any future funding details such as award size, number of awards, and timing would depend on Congressional appropriations and agency direction, meaning DOE could only move forward if resources are allocated and program priorities align. Eligibility is described as unrestricted, implying that DOE was open to receiving input from any type of entity, including industry, academia, nonprofits, state and local governments, tribal entities, consultants, and individual experts, as long as any additional eligibility clarifications in the full text were followed.
Overall, the RFI is best understood as DOE testing the landscape for practical, science-based approaches to reduce bat fatalities through turbine operations and to credibly offset unavoidable eagle impacts through compensatory mitigation methods. The agency is signaling interest in solutions that can be implemented at scale, validated with solid data, and integrated into real-world wind project operations and wildlife compliance frameworks, while also being transparent that no immediate funding was available through this announcement.
FAQs: RFI: Wind Wildlife Operational and Compensatory Mitigation (DE-FOA-0001668)
What is the "RFI: Wind Wildlife Operational and Compensatory Mitigation" opportunity?
It is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to gather public input that could help shape a possible future funding program focused on reducing the impacts of wind energy development on wildlife.
Is this a grant or a funding opportunity I can apply to right now?
No. DOE states this notice is not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). It is information-gathering only, and DOE is not accepting applications, proposals, or project submissions under this posting.
Is there any funding available through this specific posting?
No. DOE indicates there is no funding available through this RFI, and the expected number of awards is listed as zero.
Who issued and manages this RFI?
The RFI was issued by DOE through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and is managed by DOE's Golden Field Office.
Where was the full RFI text posted?
The full text was made available through the EERE Exchange website at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov, DOE's central portal for clean energy funding-related materials and public notices.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this RFI?
The Funding Opportunity Number is DE-FOA-0001668.
What is DOE asking for in this RFI?
DOE is requesting input in two main technical areas related to wind-wildlife interactions: (1) refining and improving wind turbine operational strategies to reduce impacts to bats, and (2) refining and validating compensatory mitigation tools for eagle take.
What types of bat-impact reduction strategies is DOE interested in?
DOE highlights interest in operational strategies for wind turbines that reduce bat fatalities, such as curtailment approaches (for example, adjusting cut-in speeds or feathering blades under specific wind and temperature conditions) and other management approaches. DOE emphasizes strategies that are more effective, better validated, and easier to implement consistently across regions, seasons, and turbine models, while trying to minimize lost energy production and maintain grid reliability.
What does DOE mean by "refine and improve" operational strategies for bats?
Based on the RFI description, DOE is looking to move beyond broad concepts toward operational approaches that are practical, validated with data, and implementable at scale across real-world wind project conditions.
What is "compensatory mitigation" for eagle take in the context of this RFI?
Compensatory mitigation refers to actions intended to offset unavoidable impacts to eagles when, even after all practicable minimization measures are used, remaining risk cannot be reduced to zero. DOE is seeking input on tools and methods that provide measurable benefits to eagle populations and can be credibly measured, verified, and defended as producing real biological outcomes.
What kinds of compensatory mitigation tool improvements is DOE looking for?
The RFI language points to interest in tools that can be validated and that may include ways to quantify mitigation credits, evaluate effectiveness over time, and ensure compensation is proportional to residual risk or take.
Does DOE guarantee it will release a future funding opportunity based on this RFI?
No. DOE states it may choose to issue a future FOA that is based on, related to, or informed by RFI responses, but it may also decide not to issue one at all.
Will responding to this RFI improve my chances in a future competition?
No. DOE explicitly states that responding to the RFI will not provide any competitive advantage or disadvantage if a future FOA is released.
Who was eligible to respond to the RFI?
Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning DOE was open to input from any type of entity (including industry, academia, nonprofits, governments, tribal entities, consultants, and individual experts), subject to any additional clarifications contained in the full RFI text.
How were responses required to be submitted?
Responses had to be submitted electronically by email to WindWildlife@ee.doe.gov.
What was the deadline for submitting responses?
The deadline was 5:00 pm Eastern Time on October 11, 2016.
Were responses allowed to be written directly in the email body?
No. DOE required that responses be provided as attachments to the email rather than embedded in the message body.
Could respondents ask DOE questions about the RFI?
No. The notice states that EERE would not respond to questions about the RFI.
Why does the listing mention "Cooperative Agreement" if this is not a funding competition?
The source listing includes a funding instrument type of "Cooperative Agreement," but the RFI itself does not provide award details because it is not an active funding opportunity and does not make awards.
If DOE issues a future FOA, will funding details be included then?
Yes, if a future FOA is released, details such as award size, number of awards, and timing would typically be addressed there. DOE notes that any future funding would depend on Congressional appropriations and agency direction.
What is the overall purpose of this RFI?
DOE is assessing practical, science-based approaches that can reduce bat fatalities through turbine operations and credibly offset unavoidable eagle impacts through validated compensatory mitigation methods, with an emphasis on approaches that can be implemented at scale and supported by solid data.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Energy
Next opportunity: Foster Village Involvement of Park Stewardship
Previous opportunity: Assessing changes in the Distribution of Manayunkia Speciosa related to high flow events in the Klamath River
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 0001668
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (DE FOA 0001668) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 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 |
| Building America Industry Partnerships for High Performance Housing Innovation - 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001630 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001630 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Marine and Hydrokinetic Technology Development and Advancement Apply for DE FOA 0001684 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001684 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Solar Forecasting II Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001649 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001649 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DE-FOA-0001660: Deployment of Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy on Indian Lands - 2017 Apply for DE FOA 0001660 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001660 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Deep Direct-Use Feasibility Studies Apply for DE FOA 0001601 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001601 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| Notice of Intent to Issue Funding Opportunity Announcement entitled FY 2017 Vehicle Technologies Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001706 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001706 Agency: Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory Category: Energy Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Request for Information (RFI): Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Manufacturing: Identifying Specific Components for Manufacturing Standarization Apply for DE FOA 0001700 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001700 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fuel Cells Technologies Office Annual Funding Opportunity Announcement Apply for DE FOA 0001647 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001647 Agency: Department of Energy, Golden Field Office Category: Energy Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
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 0001668", 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.