This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is consistent with the principles of tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and with an all of-the-above energy strategy that recognizes the breadth of energy resources on Tribal Lands, and each Tribe’s right to use them as they see fit. Projects sought under this FOA are fuel and technology neutral. Specifically, DOE’s Office of Indian Energy is soliciting applications from Indian Tribes, which include Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Village Corporations, Intertribal Organizations, and Tribal Energy Development Organizations to:
(1) Install energy generating system(s) and energy efficiency measure(s) for Tribal Building(s) (Topic Area 1); or,
(2) Deploy community-scale energy generating system(s) or energy storage on Tribal Lands (Topic Area 2); or,
(3) Install integrated energy system(s) for autonomous operation (independent of the traditional centralized electric power grid) to power a single or multiple essential tribal facilities during emergency situations or for tribal community resilience (Topic Area 3); or,
(4) Deploy energy infrastructure and integrated energy system(s) to electrify Tribal Buildings (Topic Area 4).
The intended results of the 50% cost-shared projects selected under this FOA are to reduce or stabilize energy costs and increase energy security and resiliency for Indian Tribes and tribal members.
DOE expects to make approximately $10 million to $15 million of federal funding available for new awards under this FOA, subject to the availability of appropriated funds. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on Congressional appropriations. DOE anticipates making approximately 6 to 12 awards under this FOA. DOE may issue awards in one, multiple, or none of the topic areas.
All modifications to the Funding Opportunity Announcement are highlighted in yellow in the body of the FOA.
Modification 0001
1. Section I.B. (Topic Area 2.a.) – Deleted reference “no less than three (3) buildings” as there is no specific minimum, other than a substantial number of buildings (page 21)
2. Section I.B. (Topic Area 2.b.) – Deleted reference “no less than three (3) buildings” as there is no specific minimum, other than a substantial number of buildings (page 23)
3. Section I.B. (Topic Area 3.b.) – Deleted reference “no less than three (3) essential tribal facilities” as there is no specific minimum, other than a substantial number of essential tribal facilities (page 26)
4. Section I.B. (Topic Area 4) – Deleted reference “no less than three (3) buildings” as there is no specific minimum, other than a substantial number of Tribal Buildings (page 28)
Modification 0002
Extended the submission deadline for applications from “July 1, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time” to “July 30, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time”
Modification 0003
Extended the submission deadline for applications from “July 30, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time” to “August 27, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time”
Modification 0004
Extended the submission deadline for applications from “August 27, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time” to “September 30, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time”
Modification 0005
Extended the submission deadline for applications from “September 30, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time” to “December 10, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time”
Modification 0006
Extend the submission deadline for applications from “December 10, 2020 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time” to “February 11, 2021 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time”.
Other Exchange Information:
EERE Exchange is designed to enforce the deadlines specified in this FOA. The “Apply” and “Submit” buttons will be automatically disable at the defined submission deadlines.
Applicants that experience issues with submission PRIOR to the FOA deadline (in the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission), the Applicant should contact the Exchange helpdesk for assistance (EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov). The Exchange helpdesk and/or the EERE Exchange system administrators (EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov) will assist Applicants in resolving issues. However, those Applicants who are unable to submit their applications because they are submitting them at the last minute, when network traffic is at its heaviest, will not be able to seek assistance from the EERE Exchange helpdesk and/or the EERE Exchange system.
Informational Webinar:
An informational webinar was held April 7, 2020 to provide information on the FOA to potential applicants. View the webinar and download presentation slides.