Penn State can submit a total of 3 concept papers, one for each topic:
Topic Area 1: Advanced Materials
Topic Area 2: Advanced Processes
Topic Area 3: Modeling and Analysis Tools for Materials and Manufacturing
Estimated Funding
EERE expects to make approximately $35 million of Federal funding available for new awards under this FOA. Awards may vary between $250,000 to $1,000,000 for Tier 1 projects (up to 2 years) and between $750,000 to $2,500,000 for Tier 2 projects (up to 3 years).
Topic Area 1: Advanced Materials
Subtopic 1.1: Innovative Advanced Materials Manufacturing for Clean Energy
Subtopic 1.2: Novel Materials for Use in Harsh Service Conditions
Subtopic 1.3: Novel Materials for Direct Thermal Energy Conversion
Subtopic 1.4: Novel Materials for New Highly‐Effective Chemical Catalysts
Subtopic 1.5: Atomically Precise Manufacturing
Topic Area 2: Advanced Processes
Subtopic 2.1: Approaches to Cost‐Effective Hydrogen Use in Manufacturing
Subtopic 2.2: Innovative and Intensified Process Heating Methods to Minimize Emissions
Subtopic 2.3: Novel Approaches to Low Cost Waste Heat Recovery
Subtopic 2.4: High Value Roll‐to‐Roll Processes in Manufacturing
Topic Area 3: Modeling and Analysis Tools for Materials and Manufacturing
Subtopic 3.1: Machine Learning and Algorithms for Efficiency in Manufacturing
Subtopic 3.2: Open Source Tools for Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing
Cost Share:
The cost share must be at least 20% of the total allowable costs for research and development projects (i.e., the sum of the Government share, including FFRDC costs if applicable, and the recipient share of allowable costs equals the total allowable cost of the project) and must come from non‐Federal sources unless otherwise allowed by law.
Each Concept Paper must be limited to a single concept or technology.
Unrelated concepts and technologies should not be consolidated into a single Concept Paper.
Penn State Downselect Requirements
Cover Page 1 page maximum
The cover page should include the project title, the specific FOA Topic Area, Subtopic and Tier being addressed, both the technical and business points of contact, names of all team member organizations, and any statements regarding confidentiality.
Technology Description 2 pages maximum
Applicants are required to describe succinctly:
The proposed technology, including its basic operating principles and how it is unique and innovative;
How the proposed technology will overcome the shortcomings, limitations, and challenges in the relevant field and application;
The potential impact that the proposed project would have on the relevant field and application;
The key technical risks/issues associated with the proposed technology development plan.
Addendum 1 page maximum
Applicants are required to describe succinctly the qualifications, experience, and capabilities of the proposed Project Team, including:
Whether the applicant has prior experience which demonstrates an ability to perform tasks of similar risk and complexity;
Whether the applicant has adequate access to equipment and facilities necessary to accomplish the effort and/or clearly explain how it intends to obtain access to the necessary equipment and facilities.