Solid State Lighting U.S. Manufacturing Round 2 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Solid State Lighting U.S. Manufacturing Round 2 funding opportunity?

The Solid State Lighting (SSL) U.S. Manufacturing Round 2 funding opportunity is a Department of Energy (DOE) program funding applied research that strengthens how SSL products are manufactured in the United States. It is identified as DE-FOA-0000334.

Which DOE office and program are associated with this FOA?

This opportunity is run through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) on behalf of DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), specifically the Building Technologies (BT) Program.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The main purpose is to drive down the cost of solid state lighting for general illumination by improving manufacturing equipment, production processes, and related techniques so high-quality SSL products can be produced more efficiently and at lower cost in the United States.

Is the focus on manufacturing or on basic laboratory device science?

The focus is on practical, applied research that directly strengthens U.S. manufacturing of SSL products. The emphasis is on real-world manufacturing improvements rather than purely laboratory-scale device science.

What kinds of improvements does DOE want to support under this FOA?

DOE emphasizes improvements related to manufacturing equipment, production processes, and manufacturing techniques that can reduce cost while maintaining product quality.

What lighting technologies are included in the SSL scope described here?

The description references LED technologies and OLED technologies as part of the SSL manufacturing and industrial base objectives.

How does DOE connect this FOA to energy and environmental goals?

DOE frames the effort as an energy and environmental strategy: by lowering costs while keeping performance high, SSL adoption for general illumination can accelerate, reducing overall electricity use for lighting. Lower electricity demand is expected to reduce environmental pollutants associated with power generation.

What is the industrial base objective for LED technologies?

For LED technologies, the intent is to maintain domestic manufacturing and technology capabilities in the United States.

What is the industrial base objective for OLED technologies?

For OLED technologies, the intent is to establish and grow the U.S. manufacturing and technology base.

What type of award instrument will DOE use for this opportunity?

The award mechanism is a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement generally implies substantial federal involvement compared with a standard grant. Recipients should expect closer coordination, project oversight, and collaboration with the federal government during project execution.

How much total funding is estimated to be available?

The total estimated funding available for this opportunity is about $15,000,000.

Is cost sharing (matching funds) required?

Yes. The program requires cost sharing or matching funds from applicants, and proposals need to include a clear plan for meeting the non-federal share.

What funding category does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding in the area of Energy, Science and Technology, and other Research and Development.

What is the CFDA number associated with this FOA?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 81.086 (Conservation Research and Development).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, which generally means applications may be submitted by a wide range of entity types (such as private companies, universities, national laboratories, nonprofits, and consortia). Applicants are directed to consult Section III.A of the FOA for the full and controlling eligibility rules and any specific constraints.

Where should applicants look for the official eligibility rules?

The FOA directs applicants to Section III.A for the full and controlling eligibility requirements and any constraints.

When was the funding opportunity posted?

The announcement was posted on June 25, 2010.

What was the application closing date?

The closing date for applications was August 18, 2010.

Where can applicants find official materials and submission details?

The FOA points applicants to FedConnect for official materials and submission details: http://www.FedConnect.net

Who is the point of contact for access issues or questions?

The listed point of contact is Brittley K. Robbins at NETL.

How can the point of contact be reached?

Brittley K. Robbins can be reached by phone at 412-386-5430 or by email at brittley.robbins@netl.doe.gov.

What is the overarching goal DOE is trying to achieve through manufacturing improvements?

The overarching goal is to reduce the cost of SSL for general illumination by improving manufacturing so that high-quality products can be produced more efficiently and at lower cost, accelerating adoption without sacrificing quality.