Stephen Bolotin is a Public Affairs Advisor and Taite McDonald a Senior Policy Advisor in Holland & Knight's Washington D.C. office

The beginning of the calendar year often coincides with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) releasing numerous high-value grant funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) with close-in submission deadlines that require fast action. 2016 has proven no different.

In the last week, DOE has opened three compelling grant funding opportunities related to energy efficiency in buildings, advanced vehicle technologies, and advanced biofuels. These opportunities are typically attractive to companies since EERE FOAs are more predictable and have shorter funding timelines compared to other government grant programs. What follows is a quick overview of these funding solicitations including key deadlines. In all cases, the first deliverable is submitting a Concept Paper (not exceeding 5 pages) for initial feedback from the subprogram offices.

1. Building Technologies Office's "Building Energy Efficiency Frontiers & Innovation Technologies (BENEFIT) – 2016" FOA

Up to $20 million in funding will be made available for approximately 17-25 awards ranging from $200,000 to $1,000,000 each.

The five topic areas include:

  • Energy efficiency solutions for residential and commercial buildings
  • Human-in-the-loop sensor and control systems
  • Infiltration diagnostic technologies
  • Plug and play sensor systems
  • Advance air-sealing technologies for existing buildings

Key dates:

  • Concept Papers due: 2/5/16, 5:00pm ET
  • Informational Webinar: 3/17/16, 2:00pm ET
  • Full Applications due: 4/19/16, 5:00pm ET

For more information and to apply online, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's website.

2. Bioenergy Technologies Office's "Advancements in Algal Biomass Yield, Phase 2 (ABY2)" FOA

Approximately $15-25 million in funding will be made available for approximately 2-6 awards ranging from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 each.

The three priority areas of research include:

  • Stain/productivity improvement
  • Improvements in pre-processing technologies (harvesting, dewatering, and extraction and/or equivalent process)
  • Integration of cultivation with pre-processing technologies

Key dates:

  • Concept Papers due: 2/12/2016 at 5:00pm ET
  • Full Applications due: 3/25/2016 at 5:00pm ET

For more information and to apply online, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's website.

3. Vehicle Technologies Office's "Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Vehicle Technologies Program Wide Funding Opportunity Announcement"

Up to $55.5 million in funding will be made available for awards ranging from $500,000 to $3,750,000.

The 11 areas of interest include:

  • EV Everywhere PEV local showcases
  • Grid Modernization for EVs
  • Development and deployment of low-cost automotive Mg sheet components
  • Corrosion protection and dissimilar material joining for next-gen lightweighting
  • Production of low-cost EV motors
  • Development of advanced high-voltage electrolytes and lithium metal protection
  • Development of advanced battery material characterization techniques
  • Advanced battery materials modeling
  • Enabling technologies for engine and powertrain systems
  • Alternative fuel vehicle workplace safety program
  • Open topic/Exploratory research

Key dates:

  • Informational Webinar: 1/28/2016 at 2:00pm ET
  • Concept Papers due: 2/18/2016 at 8:00pm ET
  • Full Applications due: 3/28/2016 at 8:00pm ET

For more information and to apply online, visit the U.S. Department of Energy's website.

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