Funding Opportunities FAQs
How is the Funding Opportunities section organized?
The Funding Opportunities section attempts to not only supply an up-to-date set of data for each DOE American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding Opportunity available, but also provide a detailed and thorough guide to the solicitations themselves as well as their application process. In order to provide potential applicants with as many options as possible, the opportunities have been organized by industry sector. The organization system found here is unofficial, and designed only with the intent to more easily assist you in the application process. View an index of all funding opportunities.
Why is early registration so important?
- Due to the high volume of funding opportunities, the process of registering for a DUNS and CCR number, and registering with the FedConnect website, it may take some time (10 – 21 days). It is suggested that applicants begin the registration process as soon as possible to ensure they are registered by the submission deadline.
Should I submit my application early if it is ready?
- Yes. FedConnect anticipates receiving an extremely high volume of submissions in the days before each solicitation closes, so it is advised to submit your application at least 24 hours before the actual deadline to ensure that your application is processed.
Can I apply through this page?
- No, the database seen here is strictly informational. Almost all applications are required to be submitted through FedConnect, although you should check the details of the solicitation to confirm.
How do I search for the most recent version of a solicitation on FedConnect?
- First, find the “FOA#” for the solicitation you are applying for by browsing our listing or grants.gov (Ex: DE-FOA-0000xxx). Write this number down.
- Go to FedConnect.
- On the right hand side of the screen, click Search Public Opportunities.
- When viewing this page, change the field in the “Search Criteria” box from “Title” to “Reference Number” by clicking and selecting the appropriate option in the dropdown menu.
- Enter the FOA# in the text bar to the right. Click the “Search” button (pressing Enter does not work). The link to the selected solicitation should appear below.
- If your selected solicitation does not appear, check to make sure you entered the FOA# correctly. If it still does not appear, the solicitation may not be ready for application. Contact the Recovery Act Clearinghouse for further assistance at (888) 363-7289.
- Click on the “Title” link to be taken to the solicitation page.
- On the solicitation page, browse the “Documentation” section on the right to see all updates to the solicitation. The folders are laid out in the following manner FOA # > Solicitation > Amendments. Under the latest Amendment folder, click “BODY” to view the latest version of the solicitation. If there are no amendments, click “BODY” under the Solicitation folder as this is the most updated version. In some cases, the word “BODY” may be replaced with “FOA”.
How do I apply for a solicitation?
- The application process varies slightly depending on the solicitation. Specific instructions for submitting an application are found within the most recent version of each Funding Opportunity Announcement. Applicants are advised to read the Funding Opportunity Announcement thoroughly before applying.
- For help at any time with the application process, contact FedConnect by calling 1-800-899-6665, or sending a query to support@fedconnect.net
- View FedConnect’s “Ready Set Go" (pdf) application guide for additional step-by-step instructions.
Can I apply for multiple solicitations?
- Yes, if they are related to your field of work. You are welcome to apply for as many solicitations as you qualify for.
Can I apply for a grant and a loan?
- Yes, you may apply for both a grant and a loan. However, there are strict requirements governing which projects are eligible for grants and which are eligible for loans, so please read and consider the eligibility criteria carefully before submitting an application. For example, many early stage technology companies may be well-suited to apply to a grant program but may not possess the requisite operational or financial capabilities and history required to qualify for a loan guarantee. Additionally, if projects are awarded Federal grants and are also selected for loans, the total amount of the loan will be scaled back by the amount of the grant award.
How do I know which funding opportunities I’m eligible to apply for?
- If you are unsure of what solicitations to apply for, it is recommended that you begin simply by reading the most updated versions of the solicitations themselves. Once you have selected an appropriate solicitation, and located it on our Funding Opportunities page, it is then recommended that you further explore the solicitations listed in the same “industry sector” grouping, as they may also be viable options.
What is a letter of intent?
- Some grant solicitations require a “Letter of Intent”. In these cases, a letter must be submitted denoting your intention to apply in advance of the application deadline. The deadline for letters of intent should not be confused with the actual application deadlines. Both the Letter of Intent due date and the Application due date are posted on the front cover page of the Funding Opportunity Announcement.
What is a "rolling deadline"?
- Certain funding opportunities utilize a rolling deadline, meaning that applications are accepted and reviewed in batches, or on an ongoing first-come, first-serve basis. Additionally, some applications may be multi-stage, meaning that all applicants submit Part I of an application, but only certain applicants will be invited to submit complete Part II applications following an initial selection cut. You should carefully review all deadline and submission requirements for any funding opportunity before applying.
Some of these solicitations are expired, is there any way I can still apply?
- No. Once a solicitation’s application deadline has passed, FedConnect will no longer process applications.
What is my "Company DUNS"? How do I obtain one?
- The Data Universal Numbering System or (D-U-N-S®) is a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B's) copyrighted, proprietary means of identifying business entities on a location-specific basis. Assigned and maintained solely by D&B, this unique nine-digit identification number has been assigned to over 100 million businesses worldwide. D-U-N-S Number assignment is FREE for all businesses required to register with the US Federal government for contracts or grants.
- To obtain a D-U-N-S Number, fill out the CCR web form.
What is the “CCR”? How do I register?
- Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary registrant database for the U.S. Federal Government. CCR collects, validates, stores and disseminates data in support of agency acquisition missions. In most cases, you must register an account with CCR in order to apply for a funding opportunity.
- Step-by-step user account setup: User Account Guide (pdf).
- It is recommended to start this process as early as possible, as it may take a significant amount of time to complete.
I’ve submitted my application, is there anything else I need to do?
- If you have submitted your final application for a FOA and received a confirmation email, no further action is necessary. Please refer to the solicitation’s page on FedConnect for information about Award Notices including the anticipated notice of selection and award dates.
Will more DOE Recovery Act funding opportunities expected to be issued?
- Right now, yes. Continue to check our listings for updates and future announcements.
Who can I talk to further about questions regarding solicitations?
- For further assistance throughout the application process, contact the following numbers:
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