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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Zero Emission Cargo Transport Demonstration funding opportunity?

The Zero Emission Cargo Transport Demonstration funding opportunity (DE-FOA-0000669) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant program, administered through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). It is designed to accelerate real-world deployment of electric transportation technologies in the cargo transport sector through substantial demonstration projects.

What is the main goal of this program?

The core intent is demonstration: to fund one or more significant projects that help move electric cargo-related technologies from limited pilots toward broader market adoption and market penetration in freight and goods movement. The program is intended to reduce technical and operational risk, prove performance in day-to-day freight operations, and produce data and lessons learned that support broader replication and scale-up.

What kind of activities does the program emphasize?

Based on the description provided, the program emphasizes real-world, operational demonstrations of electric transportation technologies in cargo and freight contexts rather than small studies. Projects are expected to show performance under day-to-day freight operations and generate practical results that help others adopt similar systems.

Is this a research grant or a deployment/demonstration grant?

This opportunity is framed as a deployment-oriented demonstration grant. While data collection and performance validation are key outcomes, the emphasis is on proving technologies in real operations and helping transition from pilot-scale efforts to broader adoption.

Which agency is offering the grant, and who administers it?

The grant is offered by the U.S. Department of Energy and is administered through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL).

What is the FOA number for this opportunity?

The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) number is DE-FOA-0000669.

What program category and CFDA listing is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is described as a discretionary grant under the Energy funding activity category, and it is listed under CFDA 81.086 (Conservation Research and Development).

How much total funding is anticipated?

The program anticipates a total estimated funding amount of $10,000,000.

How many awards does DOE expect to make?

The program anticipates making a single award.

What is the expected award size?

Individual awards are expected to range from $2,000,000 (floor) to $10,000,000 (ceiling). This suggests applicants are expected to propose comprehensive demonstration projects rather than small or purely exploratory efforts.

Is cost share (matching funds) required?

Yes. A cost sharing or matching requirement applies. Applicants should plan to contribute non-federal funds or qualifying in-kind support alongside DOE funding, consistent with the solicitation requirements.

Who is eligible to apply as the prime applicant?

Eligible prime applicants are limited to governmental entities at the local and state level: county governments, state governments, and city or township governments.

Can private companies apply directly as the prime recipient?

No. Based on the eligibility statement provided, only county, state, and city or township governments are eligible to apply as prime recipients.

Can eligible governments partner with private sector or other organizations?

Yes. While only specified governmental entities can apply as prime recipients, the opportunity description indicates projects commonly involve collaboration with private fleets, equipment manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, and research organizations through subawards or contractual relationships, as allowed by the FOA.

What types of partners are commonly involved in projects like this?

The description notes that projects of this type commonly include implementation partners such as ports, municipal freight programs, regional planning bodies, or state energy/transportation agencies, as well as private fleets, equipment manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, and research organizations.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on March 20, 2012.

What was the application closing date?

The closing date was May 15, 2012. The notice indicates the original and current closing dates match.

Was the FOA amended, and if so, when?

Yes. The FOA was updated via Amendment 001 on May 1, 2012.

Did the amendment change the technical purpose or scope of the program?

No. The amendment did not change the basic purpose of the program. It primarily revised administrative and compliance language.

What administrative areas were revised in Amendment 001?

Amendment 001 revised sections related to Congressional notifications for multi-year awards (reflected in the Estimated Funding section and Funding Restrictions section) and added or revised special terms and conditions related to lighting efficiency standards (in the Award Administration Information section).

Where could applicants find the official announcement?

The full announcement was hosted through the EERE Exchange platform (a link was provided in the notice).

Who was the point of contact for this opportunity?

The designated point of contact was John R. Hatfield, Contract Specialist.

How could someone contact the point of contact?

John R. Hatfield could be reached by phone at 304-285-5235. An email address was also provided for assistance: DE-FOA-0000669-ZECT@netl.doe.gov.

What kind of help was the contact expected to provide?

The contact information was provided for assistance, including help accessing the announcement electronically.

What does it mean that the grant is "discretionary"?

The opportunity is described as a discretionary grant, meaning DOE makes funding decisions through a competitive solicitation process and selects awardees based on the FOA and evaluation process, rather than funding being automatically distributed by formula.

Does the description indicate whether the program is intended for small pilots?

No. The award size range and emphasis on "substantial projects" indicate the program is intended for large, comprehensive demonstrations that go beyond limited pilot efforts and support broader market adoption.