Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance opportunity?

It is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) discretionary grant opportunity focused on helping Tribal communities move forward with practical, on-the-ground renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment projects. The program emphasizes installations on Indian lands that directly serve existing Tribal buildings and facilities, with goals that include lowering energy costs and improving energy security for Tribes and Tribal members.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this program?

Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0000853.

Which DOE office administers this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is administered through DOE's Golden Field Office.

Is this opportunity focused on research, planning, or deployment?

This opportunity is deployment-focused. It is intended to support installations and measures that produce real energy outcomes for buildings and facilities that are already in use, rather than being purely research or planning oriented.

What types of projects are targeted by this program?

The program targets community-scale or facility-scale renewable energy and/or energy efficiency projects. Supported measures can include electricity generation, heating and cooling applications, and energy efficiency improvements.

What types of sites or facilities are explicitly mentioned as examples?

Examples mentioned include homes, businesses, community buildings, government buildings, and other Tribal facilities.

Where must the supported installations be located?

The program is aimed at supporting installations on Indian lands that directly serve existing Tribal buildings and facilities.

Who is eligible to apply?

DOE is soliciting applications from Indian Tribes, Tribal Energy Resource Development Organizations, and Tribal Consortia. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribal governments as well as Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments, as reflected in the eligibility listing.

What is the estimated total funding available under this FOA?

DOE estimated a total program funding level of $2,500,000.

How many awards did DOE anticipate making?

DOE anticipated making about 20 awards under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA).

What is the expected award size (minimum and maximum)?

Individual awards were expected to range from $50,000 (award floor) to $250,000 (award ceiling).

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 81.087 (Renewable Energy Research and Development).

Is cost sharing (matching) required?

Yes. The opportunity includes a cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning award recipients should expect to contribute a portion of total project costs from non-federal sources according to the rules laid out in the full FOA.

What are the key dates (posting date and application due date)?

The FOA was originally posted on April 30, 2013, and the closing date for applications was June 20, 2013. The amendment information provided indicates the closing date remained the same.

How were applications required to be submitted?

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

What steps were needed to apply through EERE eXCHANGE?

Applicants needed to register and create an account in EERE eXCHANGE in order to submit an application.

Is there a user guide for the EERE eXCHANGE submission system?

Yes. DOE provided a user guide accessible through the EERE eXCHANGE site after logging in, at https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx.

Where could applicants find the full FOA and submission instructions?

The full FOA, including details about how to submit questions about the announcement content and how to get help with technical submission issues, was hosted within the EERE eXCHANGE posting for this opportunity.

What is the amendment described in the notice, and what did it change?

The notice reflects an amendment to the original FOA. It does not change the overall purpose, eligibility, funding levels, or major requirements. Instead, it updates the FOA by adding a new Appendix E titled "Calculating Energy Savings," adding it to the table of contents, and adding an instruction on page 2 directing applicants to Appendix E for guidance on calculating the percentage reduction in fuel use (including conversion factors and examples). The appendix begins on page E-1.

Did the amendment change eligibility, funding amounts, or the overall program purpose?

No. The amendment states that it does not change the overall purpose, eligibility, funding levels, or major requirements of the program, and that all other portions of the FOA remain unchanged.

Why was Appendix E ("Calculating Energy Savings") added?

Based on the provided notice, the amendment is meant to standardize and clarify how applicants should quantify and present expected energy savings, including how to calculate the percentage reduction in fuel use using conversion factors and examples, so applications can be evaluated more consistently.

Where in the FOA can applicants find guidance on calculating energy savings?

The FOA includes a new Appendix E titled "Calculating Energy Savings." Applicants are directed on page 2 to Appendix E for guidance on calculating the percentage reduction in fuel use. The appendix starts on page E-1.

How can applicants identify changes made by Amendments 001 and 002?

The amendment notes that edits made in Amendments 001 and 002 are highlighted in yellow so applicants can easily identify what was revised.

Who should be contacted for access issues or help obtaining the full announcement?

DOE provided a contact point via the Tribal Mailbox at tribal@go.doe.gov for access issues or help obtaining the full announcement.