The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with its Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, has re-opened applications for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) to receive grants of up to $300,000, at 50% cost share, to implement recommendations made in Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) assessments and/or DOE Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) assessments – including what are now called “Onsite Energy TAP” assessments – and, once qualified, other assessments submitted previously for qualification as “IAC-equivalent.”
The DOE Industrial Assessment Centers(IAC) Implementation Grant Program (Implementation Grant Program) provides grants funded by section 40521 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 42 USC17116, to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to implement recommendations made in IAC and Combined Heat and Power Technical AssistancePartnership (CHP TAP) assessments since 2018, and in recommendations made inequivalent assessments since 2021. These grants will bolster the American manufacturing base by supporting projects to improve energy and material efficiency, to increase productivity, and to reduce emissions at SMMs. DOE further intends that these grants will advance the objectives of the Justice40initiative by improving business performance, increasing energy affordability, and creating pathways to high-quality jobs in disadvantaged communities by driving federal investment into these communities and, where possible, utilizing registered apprenticeship programs and IAC Program participants in implementation efforts.
In addition, the program will continue accepting applications from other assessment providers to qualify assessments from other parties as “IAC-equivalent.” Qualification of third-party assessors will expand availability of IAC grants for SMMs across the United States.
The following third-party assessors have been tentatively qualified as IAC-equivalent (SMMs can now apply for IAC grant funding for recommended projects in these entities’ energy assessments since 2021, subject to those entities signing a memorandum of understanding with DOE):
Effective immediately, this grant program will operate on a rolling basis: applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year as funds are available and will be reviewed quarterly.
The next review will occur for applications submitted by December 31, 2023. The subsequent review dates are March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2024. Up to $80 million in total funding is currently available, and DOE expects to make more available through FY2026. Note that elements of the solicitation (e.g., eligibility, criteria, deadlines) are subject to change with each quarterly review period – please sign up for alerts below to get updates.
Next monthly informational Office Hours – December 7, 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host Office Hours on December 7, 2023 from 1-2 PM ET to answer any remaining questions from potential applicants before the submission deadline on December 31, 2023.
Workstream 1: Implementation Grants
This workstream involves collecting grant applications from SMMs to implement recommendations made in IAC, CHP TAP,or qualified equivalent assessments that meet the eligibility and prioritization criteria described below.
Note: Eligible potential applicants must submit one (1) form FOR EACH FACILITY in which grant support is requested.
Workstream 2: Third-Party Assessor Qualification
This workstream involves collecting applications from entities interested in having their assessments qualify as "equivalent to IAC assessments" in accordance with 42 USC§17116(a)(2)(C), so that their eligible clients can apply for implementation grants.
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To apply for an implementation grant, click here. (Next deadline: December 31, 2023, at 5pm ET.)
To apply for qualification as an “IAC-equivalent” assessment provider, click here. (Next deadline: December 31, 2023, at 5pm ET.)
To learn more and apply for anIAC assessment, click here.
To learn more and apply for a CHP TAP assessment, click here.
Workstream 1 Timeline (Estimated)
Workstream 2 Timeline (Estimated)
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Applications in this round of funding must meet all of the following criteria:
Applications in this round of funding will be evaluated and prioritized using the following criteria:
Impact and Feasibility (50%)
Need for Financial Assistance and CostShare (25%)
Community Benefits (25%)
In addition, DOE may consider portfolio-wide program policy factors in determining which full applications to select for awards, including:
Applications in this round ofqualification must meet all of the following criteria:
Applications in this round of qualification will be evaluated and prioritized using the following criteria:
Qualified third-party assessors are required to meet and maintain the eligibility criteria above and maintain a consistent level of performance on the review criteria above to maintain their qualification as anon-IAC or DOE CHP assessor whose assessments will enable participating SMMs to receive IAC Implementation Grants. DOE retains the prerogative to request renewal evaluations of, or additional information from, third-party assessors to ensure continued eligibility, quality, and IAC equivalence.
[1] To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in theUnited States
[2]Minority owned business is defined as a business of which not less than 51% is owned by one or more individuals who are: (A) citizens of theU.S.; and (B) Asian American, NativeHawaiian, Pacific Islander, African American, Hispanic, Puerto Rican, Native American, or Alaska Native.
[3]To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States; have majority domestic ownership and control; and have a physical place of business in theUnited States
[4]“Energy assessments” refer to assessments that are conducted to improve industrial energy efficiency, material efficiency, productivity, or reduce greenhouse gas emissions and non-greenhouse gas pollution.
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Workstream 1: Implementation Grants. Click to view.
Workstream 2: Third-Party Assessor Qualification. Click to view.