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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Technology Incubator for Wind Energy Innovations (DE-FOA-0000978)

What is DE-FOA-0000978?

DE-FOA-0000978 is the Technology Incubator for Wind Energy Innovations, a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). It is structured as an "incubator" style program intended to identify and support wind-energy research and development (R&D) ideas that are genuinely new and not already well represented in the DOE Wind Program's existing Multi-Year Program Plan or current project portfolio.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The central goal is to surface novel, non-incremental approaches with significant potential impact for wind energy. If successful, these ideas may be incorporated into future program plans and longer-term DOE portfolios.

Who is managing and administering this FOA?

The opportunity is managed through EERE's Wind and Water Power Technologies Office (WWPTO) and administered by the DOE Golden Field Office.

What kinds of ideas is DOE looking for under this "incubator" program?

The FOA emphasizes openness to "any and all ideas" as long as they offer significant potential impact for wind energy. It specifically seeks ideas that are truly novel and not already well covered by the Wind Program's existing plans or active project portfolio.

Does this FOA focus on incremental improvements to existing wind technologies?

No. The notice highlights an interest in non-incremental approaches, meaning concepts that go beyond small or routine improvements and could meaningfully advance the Wind Program mission.

Is this notice a new announcement or a modification?

The notice is a modification that extends certain deadlines. The concept paper deadline did not change, but the full application deadline and the deadline for replies to reviewer comments were extended.

When was the opportunity posted, and when was it archived?

The opportunity was posted on April 2, 2014, and it has an archive date of September 30, 2014.

What was the concept paper deadline?

The concept paper deadline remained April 28, 2014 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

What was the full application deadline, and was it extended?

Yes. The full application deadline was extended from May 30, 2014 to June 4, 2014 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

What is the deadline for submitting replies to reviewer comments, and was it extended?

Yes. The deadline for submitting replies to reviewer comments was extended to July 7, 2014 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

What type of award mechanism is DOE expected to use?

Awards under this FOA are expected to be made using a cooperative agreement mechanism.

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

In this context, a cooperative agreement typically indicates substantial DOE involvement during the project, as opposed to a more hands-off grant arrangement.

Is cost sharing required?

Yes. Cost sharing is required, meaning applicants should expect to contribute a portion of total project costs from non-federal sources, consistent with the rules described in the full FOA.

Where can applicants find the specific cost-share rules?

The summary indicates that cost sharing is required and notes that the applicable rules are described in the full FOA. Applicants need to consult the full announcement for the specific requirements.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The listing is under CFDA 81.087, Renewable Energy Research and Development.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to different entity types (for example, companies, universities, nonprofits, and others), subject to any additional eligibility clarifications contained in the full announcement.

Does "unrestricted eligibility" mean anyone can apply without conditions?

The summary describes eligibility as unrestricted, but it also notes that applicants should check the full FOA for any additional eligibility clarifications or conditions that may apply.

How must applications be submitted?

Applications had to be submitted electronically through the EERE eXCHANGE system at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov.

Do applicants need an account to apply through EERE eXCHANGE?

Yes. Prospective applicants needed to register and create an account in the EERE eXCHANGE portal to submit materials.

Is there a user guide for EERE eXCHANGE?

Yes. DOE provided an online user guide accessible after logging into EERE eXCHANGE.

Why does the public summary show estimated total funding and award ceiling/floor as 0?

The public summary data shows estimated total funding and award ceiling/floor as 0, which generally indicates that specific funding amounts were not captured in the summary record. Applicants are expected to consult the full FOA for the actual budget guidance and any limits.

Where should applicants look for budget limits and funding details?

Because the public summary does not include usable funding amounts, applicants should refer to the full FOA for budget guidance, funding limits, and any award size constraints.

How should applicants ask questions about the announcement or the submission process?

Questions about the announcement content and the submission process were directed through the instructions in the full FOA.

Who can help with technical access issues in EERE eXCHANGE?

For technical access help, DOE provided the EERE eXCHANGE Helpdesk contact: EEREExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov.