Do I need an account to view questions and answers on an opportunity?

Opportunity details, including Q&A documents, will be viewable to the public without registering in the system. However, system registration is required to apply to an opportunity.

For submitting questions to EERE, does the specific opportunity number need to be identified when submitting a question?

To use the “Submit Announcement-Specific Question” functionality, you will need to be logged into the EERE Program Information Center. When submitting a question using the “Submit Announcement-Specific Question” functionality, the link used is specific to the NOFO identified on the page; there is no need to include the NOFO number and title within the questions box. However, you should specify the Topic Area if the NOFO has topic areas.

Will the Q&A spreadsheet show a “modified” date so that we know if we have the most up-to-date information?

Currently, it DOEs not. We will take this as a potential change request.

On the wizard pages, is there an auto-save feature?

There is not an auto-save feature; the user will need to select save. However, the wizard automatically saves when the user selects “Next” on a page or clicks on another page in the wizard.

Does the countdown clock take time zones into account?

Application deadlines associated with the countdown clock are based on Eastern Time (ET).

Once I invite a user to register in the EERE Program Information Center, will the invitation status change so that I know they have registered in the system?

No; however, the EERE Program Information Center records when the invitation was sent.

How do I update the topic area that I am responding to after the Concept Paper has been submitted (assuming the Concept paper deadline has passed)?

To update the topic area associated with an application, applicants should contact the EERE Program Information Center Help Desk at EERE-epichelpdesk@ee.DOE.gov.

Can I update the organization or prime applicant associated with the application after it is submitted? For example, can I change the organization or prime applicant in the Full App after the Concept Paper has been submitted or encouraged?

To update the prime applicant or organization associated with an application, applicants should contact the EERE Program Information Center Help Desk at EERE-epichelpdesk@ee.DOE.gov to receive approval from the Contracting Officer and Legal Counsel for the change.

Can I update Technical or Business POCs before or after the Concept Paper is submitted (i.e., in the Full App)?

If the deadline has passed for a Concept Paper, users can change the POCs associated in the following Full Application. Please note that the POC change is only reflected on the Full Application, not in the submitted Concept Paper.

Is the system capable of combining all proposal docs and allowing us to print/save a single proposal file/application with everything combined?

Once the application is submitted, users can download a zip file of all uploaded documents.

Can an application title be revised after its initial entry before submission?

Yes. Prior to submission, the title is editable.

Do eligibility determinations need to be published prior to submitting a subsequent submission type?

Yes, eligibility determinations need to be published by EERE prior to submitting a subsequent submission type. However, applicants can start/edit a subsequent submission type prior to the publication of the eligibility determinations.

Will the EERE Program Information Center have file naming requirements like the EERE Exchange?

Currently, the system DOEs not enforce file naming requirements. 

Will the system rename the uploaded files to the required naming convention?

Yes. The system renames uploaded documents using the following naming convention: {ControlNumber}-{Organization}-{DocumentType}.

If you attempt to upload a document with the same title as one previously uploaded, is the former version automatically overwritten?

Yes. The file is versioned if the title of the document is the same. Please note that for most submissions requirements, the system will only allow one upload.

A NOFO has been posted and I would like to apply. I’m part of a small organization that is not registered in SAM.gov. I have started the sam.gov registration process, but the concept paper is due soon and I don’t think my sam.gov registration will be approved by the deadline. Can you grant me temporary access until my SAM.gov registration is approved?

If you are affiliated with Industry, Academia, a Non-Profit, or Federal/State/Local Government, your organization will need to have an active SAM.gov account, with a SAM.gov assigned Unique Entity ID (UEI) in order to submit applications in the EERE Program Information Center. We encourage users to begin the registration process in SAM.gov as early as possible, even before an opportunity is posted.

Can I replace an incorrect file after the deadline has passed?

Contact the EERE Program Information Center Help Desk at EERE-epichelpdesk@ee.DOE.gov with the correct file. Once the Help Desk receives approval from the announcement team, the previous document can be replaced by the Help Desk Administrator. 

How will I know if an announcement has been modified?

Users can see if an announcement has been modified on the specific Opportunity details page, which specifies the modification to the announcement.

Can I withdraw my application?

Yes. You can withdraw your application on the My Applications page. Please note that once an application is withdrawn, it will not be considered for funding under the opportunity.

Can I un-submit my application?

Yes. If it is before the deadline, you can un-submit and resubmit your application on the My Applications page. Note that if it is past the deadline, you may un-submit your application but you will NOT be able to resubmit it.

Does the EERE Program Information Center accept unsolicited proposals?

No. The EERE Program Information Center only accepts proposals for current EERE opportunities.

Does the EERE Program Information Center system replace the DOE EERE Project Management Center system?

At this time, the EERE Program Information Center will not replace the DOE EERE Project Management Center. If that occurs in the future, a notification will be sent out.

Will there be training or user manuals for using the new system?

Yes, training presentations, videos, and quick guides, as well as links to register for live trainings, will be available in the Help Center of EERE Program Information Center by clicking on the “?” icon in the top right corner.

Will there be help desk support to assist in completing applications?

The EERE Program Information Center Help Desk will be able to assist with system-related issues when completing applications.