Frequently Asked Questions

Select an Announcement to view questions and answers for the specific funding opportunity. Alternatively select "Non-Announcement related items" to view system FAQ items.

Question 1: Does the curriculum have to be for a degree seeking program, or can the curriculum be for a Continuing Education program?
Answer 1:

The Funding Opportunity Anonuncement (FOA) does not require the curriculum be for a degree seeking program.

Question 2: I am from the University of Oklahoma. We are working on clean energy development and are very interested in the funding opportunity DE-FOA-0002978. Since our university is not in the Tribal Colleges and TCU list, can we collaborate with tribal colleges and apply for the funding.
Answer 2:

Only Tribal Colleges and Universities as that term is defined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) may apply for funding. However, the FOA does not specify the entities the Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) may include as part of their project team and therefore, the FOA does not preclude a non-TCU University from participating as a project team member, provided the project is on the TCU campus and the eligible TCU is the applicant.

 

 

Question 3: The FOA mentions clean technologies. Does this definition include carbon management technologies like capture, storage, and sequestration?
Answer 3:

Per Section I.A.2 and Appendix A:

 

“Clean Energy Technology” for purposes of this FOA, may include, but is not limited to: (1) Clean Energy Generating System(s); (2) Energy Efficiency Measure(s); or (3) Integrated Clean Energy System(s).

 

  1. “Clean Energy Generating System(s)” for the purposes of this FOA include: (1) renewable energy system(s), or (2) combined heat and power system(s) using renewable fuels such as biomass, biogas, renewable natural gas, or renewable hydrogen. See definitions under Appendix A.

 

  1. “Energy Efficiency Measure(s),” for the purposes of this FOA, means the implementation of a (1) building efficiency measure(s), or an (2) industrial process efficiency measure(s). For the purposes of this FOA, “energy efficiency” is not the same as “energy conservation”, which is not eligible under this FOA. See definitions under Appendix A.

 

  1. “Integrated Clean Energy System(s)” under Topic Area 2 must, as a minimum, provide power to building(s) that make up, in part or the whole of, a TCU campus and include: (1) clean energy generating system(s); (2) controls and management system(s); and (3) energy storage system(s). Such systems may also include (4) conventional energy generation device(s); however, conventional energy generation device(s) are eligible only if used solely as a dispatchable stand-by power source. Note that some components of the proposed integrated clean energy system(s) may already exist and, therefore, not all of the components must be proposed for DOE funding; however, the integrated clean energy system(s) as a whole must meet the requirements under Topic Area 2.”

 

Therefore, if the technology does not meet the definitions above, then it would not be an eligible technology.  

 

Question 4: For this FOA, it appears that deployment activities need to take place on-campus at a Tribal College or University. What about situations where hydrokinetic power may be generated in a nearby river then stored/utilized at the TCU?
Answer 4:

Per Section III.A. of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), “The DOE Office of Indian Energy will only consider applications from: (1) Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs); and (2) on whose campus(es) the proposed project(s) will be located.” [Emphasis added] Therefore, hydrokinetic power not generated on the TCU campus, would not meet the eligibility requirements of this FOA.   

 

Question 5: As part of a grant submittal for the Tribal College funding opportunity, would funding for construction of a mock roof be eligible for curriculum deployment? The mock roof would be permanent equipment for the tribal college to provide hands-on training on a simulated rooftop as part of a solar photovoltaic (PV) curriculum.
Answer 5:

As stated in Section III.F. Questions Regarding Eligibility (page 31) of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), “DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential Applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision of whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the Applicant.”

 

However, for your purposes in making that decision, we offer the following based on the limited information provided in your question:

 

The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) specifically allows “[c]osts associated with the implementation of a clean energy curriculum, such as supplies, kits, and materials, may be included in the proposed budget.” Therefore, if the simulated rooftop is associated with the implementation of the clean energy curriculum, then those costs may be eligible for reimbursement by DOE or as cost share and should be included in the proposed budget.   

 

Question 6: Would a mobile renewable energy plus storage unit count as an eligible expense for topic area 2? The unit (trailer) we envision would be grid connected when not in use, but available to use for training and workshops at locations away from campus.
Answer 6:

As stated in Section III.F. Questions Regarding Eligibility (page 31) of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), “DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential Applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision of whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the Applicant.”

 

However, for your purposes in making that decision, we offer the following:

 

Section I.B.2. (page 10) of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) states, “Under Topic Area 2, the DOE Office of Indian Energy is seeking applications for the (1) deployment of clean energy technology(ies) to transition the Tribal College or University to a clean energy campus, and (2) implementation of a related clean energy curriculum. The clean energy technology deployment must result in the installation of clean energy technology on the TCU campus, including the implementation of a related clean energy curriculum.” [Emphasis added]

 

Based on the limited information provided in your question, it does not appear that the proposed renewable energy plus storage unit (trailer) would be installed on the TCU campusIf the unit is not installed on the TCU campus, it would not meet the requirements of the FOA.

 

 

Question 7: The Budget Justification Workbook form asks for total project costs to be entered. Should budgets be broken down by project period/year or should budget be entered for full period of performance? The FOA indicates a 2-4 year period of performance period.
Answer 7:

Budgets should be for the full project period of performance, not by year. Additionally, per Section IV.C.9., applicants “must complete the summary and each tab of the Budget Justification Workbook form (IE 540.132-01) for the project as a whole (all project costs regardless of whether requested from DOE or proposed as cost share and regardless of who plans to incur those costs), including all work to be performed by the Recipient (if an award is made), its Subrecipients, and Vendors”.

 

Question 8: I work with a Community College, which is one of the three tribal colleges in California, and none of us are formally accredited. Would we still be eligible to apply for the Transitioning Tribal Colleges and Universities grant due 7/27?
Answer 8:

As stated in Section III.F. Questions Regarding Eligibility (page 31) of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), “DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential Applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision of whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the Applicant.”

 

However, for your purposes in making that decision, we offer the following based on the limited information provided in your question:

 

To be eligible, an applicant must meet the requirements specified under Section III.A. of the FOA as ammended (0001) which states, “The DOE Office of Indian Energy will only consider applications from: (1) Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs); and (2) on whose campus(es) the proposed project(s) will be located.”

 

The section further states, “Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)” for purposes of this FOA, are (1) institutions of higher education located in the 48 contiguous United States or Alaska and (2) defined and eligible based on the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. § 1801(a)(4)), and the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. § 1059), respectively, as follows:

 

Tribal Colleges and Universities," for purposes of the FOA, mean institutions of higher education which are formally controlled, or have been formally sanctioned, or chartered, by the governing body of an Indian tribe or tribes, except that no more than one such institution shall be recognized with respect to any such tribe;

 

including:

 

Those institutions citedand eligible for funding under section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), any other institution that qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and Diné College, authorized in the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, title II (25 U.S.C. 640a note).[1]

 

Question 9: Is there the possibility of requesting a cost share waiver? Tribal Colleges and Universities do not have the resources to meet the cost share and therefore are excluded from applying.
Answer 9:

A waiver to the cost share requirement of less than 10 percent cannot be considered for the subject funding opportunity announcement.

 

Question 10: I will be helping a TCU apply for the Transitioning Tribal College and Universities clean energy grant and have some questions about curriculum development. curriculum development is our biggest hurdle because we do not know what approach to take. Does the curriculum have to be degree seeking? Can the curriculum be a part of the existing curriculum (hybrid course inside an existing career and technical education course)? or does the curriculum have to be stand alone?
Answer 10:

Thank you for your interest. The curriculum is not required be degree seeking; it may be a part of an existing curriculum; and it does not need to be stand-alone. The curriculum should be designed to best meet the needs of the TCU and its students and must complement the planned clean energy project (Topic Area 1) and be related to the planned clean energy project (Topic Area 2). Per the Funding Opportunity Announcement, “[u]nder Topic Area 1, the Applicant must develop clean energy curriculum, or modify an existing curriculum, to complement the planned clean energy project” and “[a]pplications under Topic Area 2 must include the implementation of a related clean energy curriculum”.

Question 11: We would like to pursue the opportunity for Transitioning Tribal Colleges to Clean Energy and we have some questions about some of the more technical aspects (Work Plan, budgeting in reference to work plan.) Would it be possible to set up a meeting to discuss this with you?
Answer 11:

Because this is a competitive financial assistance opportunity, questions may only be accepted in writing through the email box identified in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Specifically, per Section VII of the FOA, “[u]pon the issuance of a FOA, DOE personnel are prohibited from communicating (in writing or otherwise) with Applicants regarding the FOA except through the established question and answer process as described below. Specifically, questions regarding the content of this FOA must be submitted to: TribalGrants@hq.doe.gov not later than three (3) business days prior to the application due date.”

 

Please submit any questions by email to TribalGrants@hq.doe.gov. The recorded informational webinar may also answer some of your questions.

Question 12: Does DOE conduct the NEPA analysis as the funding opportunity announcement "DOE completing the NEPA review process", or does the institution conduct the NEPA review process, write the Environmental Assessment (EA), and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Who is the decision maker and signs the FONSI? If we conduct the analysis, is that an allowable cost to include in the project budget.
Answer 12:

An applicant selected for negotiation of award will be asked to complete an environmental questionnaire and based on that DOE will make a decision on whether the proposed scope can be Categorically Excluded (CX), require an EA or an environmental Impact Statement. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, generally these small projects can be Categorically Excluded. However, if the proposed project cannot be CX’d, an EA may be needed in which case, the Recipient would contract for the assessment and DOE would be the decision maker and signatory on any decision resulting from the EA. Cost associated with NEPA would be an allowable cost if incurred after an award is made or with prior to award if approved by the Contracting Officer

 

Question 13: I have a question. If equipment is unable to be procured within the grant performance period (i.e., a transformer lead time is out 150 weeks per our local co-op) would there be consideration of an extension?
Answer 13:

Even though the funding opportunity announcement (FOA) states on page 1 and page 15 that “DOE anticipates making awards with a period of performance of approximately two (2) to four (4) years, which for Topic Area 2 must include a mandatory 12-month verification period”, please include any anticipated lead time items in the proposed period of performance and the Workplan Milestone Table. If, however, additional delays occur, a no cost time extension may be accommodated.

Question 14: I am inquiring about some specific clarification in the transitioning tribal colleges and universities to clean energy grant 1) Under certain publications tribal schools were specified with a list of universities not a set of requirements to qualify as one, specifically a list of universities from 2014 outlined under section 402 in the agriculture act. Are those the only schools eligible or is there a different merit system that can be used to verify eligibility? 2) What type of " clean technologies qualify under this grant, do solar panels, battery storage systems, electric vehicles, or electric vehicle chargers qualify?
Answer 14:
  1. As stated in Section III.F. Questions Regarding Eligibility (page 31) of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), “DOE will not make eligibility determinations for potential Applicants prior to the date on which applications to this FOA must be submitted. The decision of whether to submit an application in response to this FOA lies solely with the Applicant.” Additionally, per Section III.A. of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), "All Applicants will be required to provide eligibility statements and evidence (see Section IV.C.5.) to support DOE’s eligibility determination. DOE will not make sufficiency determinations prior to an application being submitted."

 

However, for your purposes in making that decision, we offer the following:

 

  1. The requirements to qualify as an eligible applicant are defined in Section III.A. of FOA, which specifically states, “Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)” for purposes of this FOA, are (1) institutions of higher education located in the 48 contiguous United States or Alaska and (2) defined and eligible based on the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. § 1801(a)(4)), and the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. § 1001, et seq.), respectively, as follows:

 

“Tribal Colleges and Universities," for purposes of the FOA, mean institutions of higher education which are formally controlled, or have been formally sanctioned, or chartered, by the governing body of an Indian tribe or tribes, except that no more than one such institution shall be recognized with respect to any such tribe;

 

including:

 

Those institutions cited and eligible for funding undersection 532 of the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. § 301 note), any other institution that qualifies for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. § 1801 et seq.), and Diné College, authorized in the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, title II (25 U.S.C. § 640a note).”

 

Therefore, only institutions that meet the above requirements are eligible Applicants under this FOA. The type of documentation required to support DOE’s eligibility determination would depend on the authority under which the TCU was designated and how the institution was sanctioned or chartered, and that documentation could therefore take various forms.

 

  1. For eligible clean energy technologies, please refer to Appendix A of the FOA, beginning on page 67.

 

Question 15: The College is applying for the Transitioning Tribal Colleges and Universities to Clean Energy 2023 grant. The College has new campus structures that will be converting to solar. We have extended campus sites at 6 different Tribal locations. Can each Tribe that has a satellite building located on their reservation land for their educational purposes apply separately for a Clean Energy Grant? Or can we apply for each building for the different Tribes as an individual application?
Answer 15:

For Topic Area 2 (Clean Energy Technology and Curriculum Deployment), “either a single clean energy system and/or energy efficiency measure or multiple clean energy systems and/or energy efficiency measures may be proposed for either a single building or multiple buildings”, provided those buildings are on a TCU campus. Therefore, a single TCU may submit one application for buildings located at different sites, provided the buildings and the sites meet the definitions in the FOA.

Question 16: Please look over the attached documents to see if this is what you're needing or if we are in the right direction? Would this be adequate for the application?
Answer 16:

Due to the competitive nature of the funding opportunity, we are unable to review and advise on draft application documents. Please review the funding opportunity announcement requirements and template instructions.