Funding Opportunity Resources for Prospective Applicants

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has released new resources for Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), previously known as Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), applicants which include a step–by-step NOFO application tutorial and general funding opportunity Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).  These materials are in response to stakeholder feedback to BETO and the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) and is intended to provide NOFO resources, especially for first-time and new-to-BETO applicants.  NOFOs may vary, so it is always important to review individual NOFOs to understand and address requirements.

NOFO Resource Materials for Applicants 

Reading and Responding to NOFO Applications Tutorial

In this NOFO application tutorial, key areas of a NOFO are reviewed that will help applicants determine whether the NOFO topic is a good fit for them and offers insight into the NOFO application and process. The tutorial includes:

  • Technology space and strategic goals review
  • Navigation of the topic area description section
  • Eligibility information
  • Criteria and proposal organization review
  • Reviewer comments response period
  • Process for answering NOFO-related questions.

Presentation slides can be downloaded.

General NOFO FAQs 

The NOFO FAQs document compiles commonly asked questions across multiple NOFO cycles and provides a baseline of general knowledge about NOFOs. In addition, the document addresses questions about the NOFO process rather than questions related to specific NOFOs and the relevant technology space. 

EERE Exchange Teaming Partner List

The EERE Exchange Teaming Partner List is located on EERE Exchange. The teaming partner lists are an opportunity for potential applicants and partners to share their expertise and capabilities as well as network with other individuals and organizations. Not all NOFOs have teaming partner lists and DOE does not endorse organizations on the list; it is a networking tool. For more information on how to sign up for a NOFO’s Teaming Partner List, visit BETO’s Teaming Partner List Guidance webpage. 

Technology Verification Guidance

BETO often requires funding opportunity award recipients to comply with technical and economic validation of novel chemical, biological, and thermochemical technologies at the R&D, pilot, demo, and commercial scales. To assist NOFO awardees, and help applicants better understand the NOFO process, BETO has launched a comprehensive set of web resources and guidance to explain the three-phased process and team approach used to validate these technologies. Learn more about BETO’s technology verification process, requirements, and available guidance resources.

BETO Project Reviewer

BETO relies on subject matter experts to review applications for federal funding opportunities and active projects. Being a project reviewer can provide insight into the NOFO review process. The BETO project reviewer webpage provides an overview on how to submit your name into the EERE reviewer database. Please note that a reviewer cannot review a NOFO to which you (or your organization) are applying, and that signing up to be a reviewer does not guarantee selection.

Additional NOFO Application Resources