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["DE-FOA-0003634 - ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTION AND ANSWER LOG"]
[]
["For questions regarding NETL eXCHANGE please contact the NETL Exchange Helpdesk at NETL-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov and include the NOFO name and number in the subject line.\n\nQuestions regarding this NOFO must be submitted no later than three business days prior to the application due date. Please note, feedback on individual concepts will not be provided through Q&A."]
["Question #","Topic","Question","Answer","Date Posted"]
[1,"FFRDC Requirement","A Work Proposal for FFRDCs is listed under required documents in IV.C.2; however, the funding for FFRDCs is listed as coming through the prime recipient to the FFRDC on page 12, Section II.D.1. Since DOE FFRDCs will be funded by the prime and not directly by DOE through the work authorization process, can the work proposal requirement be exempt or removed from required documents?","The Work Application for FFRDCs is required when an FFRDC is proposed as a subrecipient. Applicants proposing an FFRDC should submit the Work Application listed in Section IV.C.2 and comply with the applicable FFRDC authorization requirements in Section II.D. If no FFRDC is proposed, the document is not applicable.","2026-07-22"]
[2,"Deadline Dates","Given the September 22 submission deadline, the timeline is challenging for assembling the technical scope, partner commitments, and cost-share arrangements needed for a competitive proposal. Is there any possibility of an extension to the current deadline or another submission window?","There are no current plans to extend the September 22, 2026 application deadline. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. ET on the date specified in the NOFO.","2026-07-22"]
[3,"Concept Paper","DE-FOA-0003634 mentions concept papers but does not describe how to submit one. Can you confirm if the concept paper is an option and if so where to find the requirements for that submission?","Concept papers are not applicable to this NOFO. Applicants should submit the full application in accordance with the NOFO requirements.","2026-07-22"]
[4,"Webinar","Will there be a webinar for NOFO 3634?","No informational webinar is planned for this NOFO.","2026-08-14"]
[5,"Technical Topics","Is hydrogen considered for gas production?","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant. In general terms,  hydrogen production is not an area of interest under this NOFO. The NOFO is focused on technologies that improve utilization, production, processing, transportation, and delivery of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids.","2026-08-14"]
[6,"Technical Topics","Ia ammonia or other gas derivates for production consideration under this NOFO?","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant. In general terms, gas-derived products are not categorically excluded solely because they are derivatives. Under Topic Area 1, DOE is interested in converting underutilized natural gas and natural gas liquids into valuable industrial chemicals and materials that can be efficiently and cost effectively transported from remote sites. Chemical conversion to fuels is specifically not of interest. Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed product and conversion pathway align with the applicable Topic Area requirements.","2026-08-14"]
[7,"Application Content/Format","On pages 31-34 of Part I of the funding document, the requirements for documentation for impacted Indian Tribes are addressed.   On page 32 there is a text box which lists the required documentation for tribal support and for tribal awareness.   There are two documents listed for each category.    Do both documents need to be submitted or only one?  For example – are both a letter of support and a resolution required to be submitted for documentation of tribal support? ","Per NOFO Section IV.C.3 documentation of an Indian Tribes Awareness or a letter of support\" is necessary depending on the potential impact category. Only one form of acceptable documentation is required for each applicable category, provided it meets the criteria in the NOFO. For documentation of Tribal support, either a qualifying letter of support or a qualifying Tribal Council/Board resolution (or similar act) is sufficient; both are not required. For Tribal awareness, any one of the listed forms of acceptable documentation is sufficient.","2026-08-14"]
[8,"Other","Both parts, 1 and 2, of DE-FOA-0003634 have multiple links to websites, however these links do not work in the PDF versions provided at NETL eXCHANGE. Could you fix this, please?","The NOFO notes that hyperlinks are provided for applicant convenience and may change over time. Applicants should use the current versions of referenced resources and may copy a displayed URL into a web browser if an embedded link does not function. Questions regarding NETL eXCHANGE functionality should be directed to the NETL eXCHANGE Helpdesk. Hyperlink functionality does not change the application requirements.","2026-08-14"]
[9,"Other","In the Questions and Answers file (DE-FOA-0003634_Question_and_Answer_Log_7-23-2026 (Last Updated: 7/23/2026 03:43 PM ET)), there is an answer to question 2: “There are no current plans to extend the submission deadline.  Applications should be submitted by Application due date outlined in the NOFO documents.  Modification  002 includes changes meant to lessen the level of documentation required in association with partnership commitment under the NOFO given the current submission deadline.”  Where is this Modification 002?","The reference to “Modification 002” in the prior Q&A response was an error and has been corrected. No Modification 002 applies to DE-FOA-0003634. Applicants should rely on the current DE-FOA-0003634 Part 1 and Part 2 documents posted in NETL eXCHANGE. ","2026-08-14"]
[10,"Technical Topics","Could DOE please clarify how the HGEO NOFO distinguishes between fuels and chemicals for the purposes of eligibility? For example, are oxygenated liquids such as dimethyl ether (DME) or methyl tert‑butyl ether (MTBE)—which can be used as both chemicals and fuels or fuel additives—considered in scope, or are they treated as excluded ‘fuel’ products? Any guidance on how DOE defines the boundary between chemicals and fuels within this NOFO would be appreciated","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant.  In general terms, Topic Area 1 supports conversion of natural gas and natural gas liquids into valuable industrial chemicals and materials, while applications for chemical conversion to fuels are specifically identified as not of interest. For a compound that has both chemical and fuel applications, the applicant should clearly identify the proposed product, intended market and use, and demonstrate how the project aligns with the industrial chemical or material objectives of Topic Area 1. A project principally directed toward producing the compound for use as a fuel would not be responsive to this objective. DOE will determine responsiveness based on the application as submitted.","2026-08-14"]
[11,null,"Under the Topic area 1: Enhanced Resource Utilization and Production Technologies (ERUPT)\n\nI have a patent in my home country on a the use of Machine Learning and Computational Fluid Dynamics software as it relates with production technologies.\n\nI would like to know if I can apply to this application as a non-American citizen?\n\nSecondly, what documents are important for submission from the list of documents listed for submission?","Eligibility under this NOFO is based on the applicant entity rather than the citizenship of any individual project participant. Please refer to NOFO Section II for Eligibility information. Please Refer to NOFO Section IV.C for information on Application Content Requirements including documentation required as part of any application in association with individuals meeting the provided definition of a Covered Individual","2026-08-14"]
[12,null,"We are preparing a proposal under DE-FOA-0003634, Topic Area 3. Could you please clarify whether the proposed project may include two industry partners with complementary roles?\n\nThe primary industry partner would provide the operating well pad and gathering infrastructure where the digital twin and related technologies would be developed, tested, and validated. A second industry partner would provide another operating site for additional independent validation and evaluation of the technologies’ transferability to different assets and operating conditions.\n\nWould this arrangement be acceptable under Topic Area 3? If so, would both partners need to provide site-access or commitment letters with the proposal? Or would the second partner only need to provide a support letter?","It is at the discretion of the applicant to develop and propose a team structure necessary to effectively achieve the activity being proposed.  Project team structure will be evaluated as a part of application reviews under Criterion 3  Technical and Management Capabilities per Section VI.C.2 of the NOFO.  In general terms, Topic Area 3 may include multiple industry partners and multiple field sites where those arrangements support the objectives of the proposed project. The NOFO specifically allows HITS host environments to include different facility types and requires applications to include letter(s) of intent from industry partner(s) providing access to the proposed field site(s). Letter(s) of commitment will be required for all designated field partners prior to award if the application is selected for award negotiations.","2026-08-14"]
[13,"Other","In reviewing the Funding Opportunities presented in the DOE Notice of Funding Opportunity Part 1, there appear to be several Teaming Partners List for most of the funding opportunities listed. However, there are none listed for NOFO3634.  Is a Teaming Partners List required for this NOFO?","This NOFO does not incorporate the use of Teaming Partner Lists, but this in no way prohibits teaming under DE-FOA-0003634. Applicants are encouraged to form project teams consistent with the requirements of the NOFO. Certain Topic Areas specifically require industry participation, access to relevant field sites, and commercialization partners. Applicants should follow the teaming and partner documentation requirements identified for the Topic Area to which they are applying.","2026-08-14"]
[14,null,"Would DoE representatives be to discuss a potential project before the September 22nd date?","All communication related to the NOFO must be conducted in accordance with the established question and answer process for NOFO 3634 as described in Section I.C. entitled \"Agency Contact Information\".  No direct discussion with DOE is allowable.                                                                                                      \nPer NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant.","2026-08-14"]
[15,"Technical Topics","Under Topic Area 2, would a laboratory-only project be considered?","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant.  In general terms, laboratory-only projects would not align with research sought under Topic Area 2.  Topic Area 2 is intended to develop, validate, and field test technologies that improve existing oil and natural gas infrastructure. Projects must conclude with field testing to validate performance and practicality. Applications must also include a letter of intent from an industry partner providing access to a relevant field site for prototype testing.","2026-08-14"]
[16,null,"How I can collaborate with your group and others from DOE.","All communication related to the NOFO must be conducted in accordance with the established question and answer process for NOFO 3634 as described in Section I.C. entitled \"Agency Contact Information\".  No direct discussion with DOE is allowable.                                                                                                      \nNOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", defines Eligible applicants under this NOFO.  In addition it provides indication that \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant.","2026-08-14"]
[17,null,"The grant page indicates that eligible applicants are unrestricted. Please confirm the eligibility requirements.\n\nIs there a cost sharing requirement for this FOA? The listing on https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/363302 states no cost sharing, while the DOE program page (https://www.energy.gov/hgeo/funding-notice-advancing-oil-and-natural-gas-production-and-delivery) indicates a minimum 20% cost share from awardees. Please clarify which requirement is correct.","NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", defines Eligible applicants under this NOFO.  In addition it provides indication that \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant.                                                                                       \nCost Share requirments for this NOFO are identified in Sections I.A.1 and II.C of this NOFO and all clearly indicate minimum required cost share of 20% of total project cost. ","2026-08-14"]
[18,"Technical Topics","Would including wellbore performance and deliquification optimization within the broader well-pad digital twin and field-demonstration system be considered responsive and allowable under DE-FOA-0003634?","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant.  In general terms, if activities are clearly integrated into and support a broader surface infrastructure optimization and field validation system they could be considered responsive. Topic Area 3 is focused on field scale validation of surface hydrocarbon infrastructure, including digital twins, AI and machine learning, sensors, predictive analytics, and control systems at existing production well pads and operating facilities. A project focused primarily on standalone wellbore, artificial lift, or subsurface production optimization would not align with the primary focus of Topic Area 3.","2026-08-14"]
[19,"Foreign Entities/Work","May a foreign-owned / foreign-established technology SME participate in a DE-FOA-0003634 project as a subrecipient, subcontractor, or other non-prime project participant under an eligible U.S. domestic lead, assuming project work and field validation are performed in the United States and all applicable DOE requirements are met? If participation differs by Topic Area 2 versus Topic Area 3, or requires a waiver or specific disclosure, we would appreciate the relevant section of the NOFO being indicated. We are not seeking to bypass the formal application process and would submit any proposal only through the required NETL eXCHANGE route with an eligible U.S. lead.","Per Section II.A.2 of the NOFO \"Foreign Entity Participation \nIn general, foreign entities are not eligible to apply as either a recipient or \nsubrecipient.  In limited circumstances, we may approve a waiver to allow a foreign entity to participate as a recipient or subrecipient.   A foreign entity may apply to this NOFO, but the application must be accompanied \nby an explicit written waiver request.  Likewise, if you want to include a foreign entity as a subrecipient, you must submit a separate explicit written waiver request in your application for each proposed foreign subrecipient.  NOFO Part 2, Application Content Requirements, explains the requirements for submitting a foreign entity waiver request.  DOE’s determination of a waiver request is final and you cannot appeal an adverse decision on a waiver request. \"","2026-08-14"]
[20,"Other","\nWe are interested in touring NETL in Pittsburgh to determine if the facilities will work with our research and discuss rates/access/agreements/etc to develop budgets and work scopes. Are we permitted to reach out to the partnerships office/a specific lab at NETL or would that be a conflict with this NOFO? \n","All communication related to the NOFO must be conducted in accordance with the established question and answer process for NOFO 3634 as described in Section I.C. entitled \"Agency Contact Information\".  No direct discussion with DOE is allowable. NETL is not eligible for award under this announcement and may not be proposed as a subrecipient on another entity’s application.  An application that includes NETL as a recipient or subrecipient will be considered non-responsive.  ","2026-08-18"]
[21,"Funding Mechanism","Will all awards from this NOFO be funded as Cooperative Agreements or OTAs or will NETL consider other funding mechanisms such as CRADAs?","​​Cooperative Agreements are the intended funding instrument for awards under this NOFO, but DOE resereves the right to consider use of Other Transaction Agreement if it is determined that the use of a standard cooperative agreement, grant or contract is not feasible. (See NOFO Section III.F) ","2026-08-18"]
[22,"Technical Topics","\nWould DOE consider a prototype eligible for Topic Area 1b field validation if it is installed within an existing operating natural gas processing or LNG facility, provided that the demonstration utilizes an underutilized/associated natural gas stream and measures the resulting improvement in gas utilization and upstream/wellhead economics? Or does Topic Area 1b require the physical prototype to be installed directly at an oil and gas production/well site?\n","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant.  It is expected that Topic Area 1b research and technologies will conclude with field tests to validate performance, confirm practicality, and gather data to verify financial benefits to accelerate adoption by operators and service companies. In general terms, field testing is expected to be preformed in a field environment relevant to the end use of the proposed technology.  ","2026-08-18"]
[23,"Cost Share","For several years, our company has been developing a technology that we propose for the field testing in response to NOFO 3634. Could we claim our private expenses for this technology development as our cost share? If yes, is there a time limit for inclusion of such expenses?","Cost Share requirments for this NOFO are identified in Sections I.A.1 and II.C of the NOFO Part 1 and Section II.A of the NOFO Part 2. Cost share must also meet the requirements set forth in 2 C.F.R. § 200.306 and 910.130 and the cost principles set forth in 2 C.F.R. § 200.400-476 and 2 C.F.R. § 910.352.  In addition, cost share must: be verifiable when the application is submitted; be cash, cash equivalents, or in-kind contributions; and come from nonfederal sources (unless otherwise allowed by law), such as project participants, state or local governments, or other third-party financing. The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant. It is the applicant's responsibility to define the proposed sources of cost share, which would be considered in full detail for allowability and relative value if the project is selected for award negotiation. ","2026-08-18"]
[24,"Technical Topics","DE-FOA-0003634, Section E states that “Applications for chemical conversion to fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel) from natural gas or NGLs” would not be reviewed and would be deemed unresponsive.  However, the FOA also states that “flexible upstream processing solutions are required to improve the economics of full NGL recovery or to enable cost-effective extraction of propane and butane while rejecting ethane into the sales line.”\n\n Would a proposal that defines a modular process to convert natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs; a gaseous mix of methane, ethane and propane) to neat propane (for industrial use) or odorized HD-5 grade propane (for retail consumer use) be considered unresponsive? Would neat propane be considered as viable, value-added product as a chemical intermediary or is propane as a product considered a fuel, regardless of the downstream applications? \n","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant.  In general terms, Topic Area 1 supports conversion of natural gas and natural gas liquids into valuable industrial chemicals and materials, while applications for chemical conversion to fuels are specifically identified as not of interest. For a compound that has both chemical and fuel applications, the applicant should clearly identify the proposed product, intended market and use, and demonstrate how the project aligns with the industrial chemical or material objectives of Topic Area 1. A project principally directed toward producing the compound for use as a fuel would not be responsive to this objective. DOE will determine responsiveness based on the application as submitted.","2026-08-18"]
[25,"Technical Topics","Are all technologies submitted in response to Topic Area 1 of DE-FOA-0003634 required to accept an NGL stream containing water vapor and H2S? If so, what is the minimum acceptable contamination level for a process to accept water vapor and H2S in response to this FOA?","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant.  In general terms, sour gas treatment solutions are one of several types of research efforts sought under Topic Area 1. However, not all technologies proposed under Topic Area 1 must be designed to handle sour gas streams. It is up to the Applicant to determine the acceptable contamination levels that their technologies/processes are capable of handling. ","2026-08-18"]
[26,"Technical Topics","There appears to be a contradiction on admissible projects under Topic Area 1. On page 19 of the NOFO Part 1, Topic Area 1b states that research efforts of interest may include \"Optimizing NGL Utility” by \"Testing integrated system designs that valorize “stranded NGLs” with innovative on-site NGL utilization, including fuel use, chemical and refrigeration applications,  or chemical conversion to high value chemical intermediates or finished products.\"\n\nThis seems to directly contradict the  \"Applications Specifically Not of Interest\" for Topic Area 1 on Page 26, which states that \"Applications for chemical conversion to fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel) from natural gas or NGLs\" are not of interest. \n\nCan you clarify when or to what conversion of NGLs or even stranded NG is desired, or if it is desired","DOE does not consider these provisions to be contradictory. Under Topic Area 1b, DOE is interested in innovative approaches that increase the beneficial utilization and economic value of stranded natural gas and NGLs. This may include direct on-site use of NGLs as a fuel or energy source, as well as chemical, refrigeration, and other applications, and conversion of NGLs or natural gas to higher-value non-fuel chemical intermediates or finished products. The NOFO specifically identifies on-site NGL fuel use as an area of potential interest.\n\nHowever, DOE is not interested in projects whose objective is the chemical conversion of natural gas or NGLs into fuel products, such as gasoline or diesel. This exclusion applies to conversion pathways that produce fuels as the intended product, rather than to the direct use of natural gas or NGLs for on-site energy applications.\n\nAccordingly, applicants should clearly describe the proposed utilization pathway and resulting product or end use, and demonstrate how the approach advances the objectives and performance targets of Topic Area 1.","2026-08-20"]
[27,"Deadline Dates","The deadline is NETL Exchange is listed as 9/22/2026 12:00 AM ET; however, the deadline in the NOFO is 9/22/2026 5:00 PM ET. Can this be corrected?","This has been updated in Exchange","2026-08-20"]
[28,"Technical Topics","Can we assume that 50kW to 1MW class commercial utility grid power will be (or can be made) available at the point of flaring gas-to-products conversion? \n","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant. It is the applicant's responsibility to determine wheter the power requirements for their technology can be met at locations targeted for both field testing and commercial deployment. In general terms, commercial utility grid power is typically not readily availabile at points of natural gas flaring. ","2026-08-20"]
[29,"Technical Topics","Is coal bed methane eligible source for this NOFO?","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant. This NOFO aims to achieve significant advancements across the U.S. oil and natural gas supply chain from extraction to processing, transport, and end-use. In general terms, coal bed methane sources are not specifically excluded from this NOFO as they account for a small percentage of the total U.S. natural gas supply chain.","2026-08-25"]
[30,"Technical Topics","Does Topic 1b require the demonstration unit to be installed directly at an active oil/gas production or well site utilizing associated or underutilized natural gas? Alternatively, would installation at an existing LNG or gas-processing facility, or on available land near a natural-gas pipeline corridor, receiving qualifying natural gas satisfy the field-validation requirements?\n","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant.  It is expected that Topic Area 1b research and technologies will conclude with field tests to validate performance, confirm practicality, and gather data to verify financial benefits to accelerate adoption by operators and service companies. In general terms, field testing is expected to be preformed in a field environment relevant to the end use of the proposed technology.  It is the applicant's responsibility to determine, and document as part of their application, whether the proposed field testing location satisfies these requirements. ","2026-08-25"]
[31,"Other","Could NETL/DOE please provide guidance or identify potential operators, industry groups, or other resources that may help us locate a suitable host partner?","This NOFO does not incorporate the use of Teaming Partner Lists. It is the applicant's responsibility to form project teams consistent with the requirements of the NOFO. Certain Topic Areas specifically require industry participation, access to relevant field sites, and commercialization partners. ","2026-08-25"]
[32,"Technical Topics","Would a Topic Area 1a project be considered responsive if it experimentally validates, in a university laboratory using representative sour associated-gas compositions, technology for direct utilization of otherwise-flared associated gas? The project would focus on unit-operation validation rather than field deployment.\n","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant. Topic Area 1a focuses on \"Laboratory Validation of Catalysts and Unit Operations,\" targeting R&D to rapidly develop and validate new catalysts, reactor systems, and separation technologies at the laboratory through prototype scale. The NOFO specifies that projects under Topic Area 1a should begin at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 and progress to an ending TRL of 5 by project completion. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to evaluate their proposed research scope and determine whether experimental validation in a laboratory using representative gas compositions aligns with the technical objectives, TRL requirements, and responsiveness criteria set forth for Topic Area 1a in the NOFO.","2026-08-25"]
[33,"Other","Will recipients be permitted to openly publish research results without prior DOE approval?\n","The NOFO does not establish a general requirement for recipients to obtain prior DOE approval before publishing research results. Publication and dissemination of project results will, however, be subject to the terms and conditions of the resulting award, including applicable intellectual property, data rights, proprietary information, research security, and other legal or regulatory requirements.","2026-08-28"]
[34,"Other","Does DOE anticipate sharing export-controlled commodities, software, or technology with the awardee? If so, what Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs), if any, are expected to apply?","The NOFO does not identify any DOE-furnished export-controlled commodities, software, or technology, nor does it identify specific Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) expected to apply. Recipients and project participants remain responsible for complying with all applicable export-control laws and regulations in performing the project.","2026-08-28"]
[35,"Other","Will there be any restrictions on the involvement of foreign persons on the project?","The NOFO does not establish a categorical prohibition on participation by foreign persons. However, individuals participating in a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program are strictly prohibited from participating in funded projects. Additionally, all project participants are subject to applicable research security and Research, Technology, and Economic Security (RTES) due diligence reviews, and DOE may require risk-mitigation measures—including exclusion of an individual or entity—if identified risks cannot otherwise be adequately mitigated. Separate requirements apply to foreign entities, including waiver requirements for participation as a recipient or subrecipient and for work performed outside the United States.","2026-08-28"]
[36,"Other","Will the award involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or cybersecurity requirements, such as compliance with NIST SP 800-171?","The NOFO does not identify Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling or compliance with NIST SP 800-171 as a specific requirement for awards under this funding opportunity. In addition, NOFO Part 1 states that the Cybersecurity Plan requirement does not apply to awards made under this NOFO. Recipients must nevertheless comply with all applicable Federal and DOE requirements and the terms and conditions incorporated into the resulting award.","2026-08-28"]
[37,"Other","Does this funding opportunity support projects that qualify as fundamental research?","The NOFO does not designate or classify projects as \"fundamental research.\" Proposed projects will be evaluated against the applicable Topic Area objectives, requirements, Technology Readiness Levels, and technical review criteria identified in the NOFO. Applicants are responsible for determining how any applicable export-control or other regulatory classifications apply to their proposed activities.","2026-08-28"]
[38,"Period of Performance","The NOFO states topic area 3 has an estimated PoP of 3/1/2027 - 2/28/2032 (60 mos.). Although, is a shortened PoP is acceptable (48 mos., so 3/1/2027 - 2/28/2031)? ","The period of performance for Topic Area 3 is listed as having an approximate period of performance of 60 months in the NOFO Part 1. The dates and durations provided are approximate estimates. A proposed project duration shorter than 60 months (such as 48 months) is acceptable under the terms outlined in the funding opportunity.","2026-08-28"]
[39,"Other","Can the DOE provide a link to the Standard Award Terms and Conditions? The links found on page 42/52 on NOFO Part 2 do not work. ","https://www.energy.gov/funding-opportunities ","2026-08-28"]
[40,"Project Budget","Under Topic Area 2, are there any requirements or guidelines for allocating the total Federal funding and required cost share across the anticipated 18–24-month budget periods, particularly before versus after the Go/No-Go decision point?\n","The NOFO does not mandate specific requirements for allocating the total requested Federal funding across the anticipated 18–24-month budget periods. Applicants are responsible for determining the appropriate distribution of project costs across the award to accomplish the scope of work proposed. However, applicants must adhere to specific requirements regarding cost-share timing. As specified in the NOFO Part 2 (Cost Share Payment), recipients are required to contribute their cost share incrementally over the life of the award, and the award terms will specify the required interval (e.g., by budget period or invoice period). The recipient's cost share for each interval must continually reflect at least the overall negotiated cost-share ratio, and the project team must remain up to date on cost-share obligations at each interval. Therefore, proposed budgets should be structured so that the minimum 20% non-federal cost share requirement is met at the conclusion of each budget period in addition to meeting the overall cumulative project requirement. If selected for award negotiations, DOE will work directly with selectees during award negotiations to ensure final budget structures comply with all federal and program-specific requirements.","2026-08-28"]
[41,"Period of Performance","Is the approximate 48-month project period required for Topic Area 2, or may applicants propose a shorter period (e.g., 24–36 months) if the proposed scope and objectives can be achieved within that timeframe? If a shorter period is proposed, do the anticipated 18–24-month budget periods and associated Go/No-Go requirements still apply?","The 48-month period of performance listed for Topic Area 2 is an estimate, and applicants may propose a shorter period of performance (such as 24–36 months) if the proposed scope of work and technical objectives can be fully achieved within that timeframe. As noted in the Key Facts section, project durations are provided as approximate project periods rather than mandatory fixed lengths. If a shorter timeframe is proposed, the requirement for multiple budget periods and associated Go/No-Go review process still apply. If selected for award negotiations, DOE will work directly with selected applicants to finalize an appropriate project period and Go/No-Go schedule.","2026-08-28"]
[42,"Allowable Costs","Can DOE clarify the distinction between costs that may be charged to the project and costs that are expected to be borne by the recipient as part of normal operations.\nFor example, would DOE generally view the following approach as consistent with the objectives of the funding opportunity:\n•\tCosts associated with activities, maintenance, or improvements that the field operator would normally undertake as part of its routine operations are not charged to the project.\n•\tCosts associated with activities or improvements that are implemented specifically as a result of project-generated insights, recommendations, or outputs (e.g., from the AI-informed digital twin) and that are beyond or substantially different from the filed operator’s normal operations may be charged to the project.\n","All proposed expenditures—whether charged to the Federal share or proposed as recipient cost share—must comply with the applicable Federal cost principles set forth in 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart E (for non-profit, academic, and government entities) or 2 C.F.R. § 910.352 and 48 C.F.R. § 31.2 (for for-profit entities). To be allowable, costs must be necessary, reasonable, and directly allocable to the specific scope of work approved for the project.\n\nExpenditures for activities, ongoing maintenance, or facility improvements that a field operator would normally undertake as part of its standard operations—independent of the research project—are considered normal business expenses and are unallowable as either direct Federal charges or recipient cost share.\n\nExpenses for activities, modifications, equipment, or data-collection efforts that are implemented specifically to carry out the proposed research scope (e.g., testing, validating, and integrating an AI-informed digital twin beyond baseline operations) may be allowable, provided they are necessary for project execution, properly documented, and reasonable in amount. If selected for award negotiations, DOE will work directly with selected applicants to ensure the allowability and allocability of specific cost items prior to award.","2026-08-28"]
[43,"Technical Topics","Would a project that improves compressor efficiency, captures and conditions CO₂ from field compression station exhaust, and beneficially uses the CO₂ for enhanced natural-gas recovery be considered responsive to Topic Area 2 of DE-FOA-0003634?","Per NOFO Section II. entitled \"Eligibility\", \"DOE will not determine eligibility for potential applicants before the application due date.\" The decision whether to submit an application in response to this NOFO lies solely with the applicant. Topic Area 2 focuses specifically on developing, validating, and field testing advanced technologies to enhance the durability, reliability, and deliverability of the U.S. oil and natural gas supply chain by improving existing upstream and midstream facility-level equipment and transport infrastructure. Among the specific research areas of interest, Topic Area 2 explicitly includes the development and field validation of novel, high-efficiency engines and compressors, as well as cost-effective compressor retrofit solutions to reduce product and heat losses. In general terms, CO2 capture and use for enhanced natural gas recovery is not an area of interest under Topic Area 2. ","2026-08-28"]

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["Pick List"]
[]
["Registration Requirements"]
["Webinar"]
["Concept Paper"]
["Eligibility"]
["Labs/FFRDCs"]
["Foreign Entities/Work"]
["Cost Sharing"]
["Due Dates"]
["Application Content/Format"]
["Intellectual Property"]
["Data Management"]
["Other"]
["U.S. Manufacturing Plan"]
["Application Reviews"]
["Technical Topics"]