Department of Energy Grant for U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center

1. building energy efficiency
2. clean coal including carbon capture and storage
3. clean vehicles

These are areas in which the U.S. and China have a shared interest in further developing technology to help our countries meet clean energy and climate change goals. Awards will be made to consortia with the knowledge and experience to undertake first-rate collaborative research programs. These Consortia will help bring together top talent from both countries and are expected to generate key technological advancement through genuine collaboration between U.S. and Chinese researchers.

1. building energy efficiency
2. clean coal including carbon capture and storage
3. clean vehicles

These are areas in which the U.S. and China have a shared interest in further developing technology to help our countries meet clean energy and climate change goals. Awards will be made to consortia with the knowledge and experience to undertake first-rate collaborative research programs. These Consortia will help bring together top talent from both countries and are expected to generate key technological advancement through genuine collaboration between U.S. and Chinese researchers.

The purpose of the conference is to conduct a Question and Answer session submitted by interested parties related to Funding Opportunity Notice Announcement Number DE-FOA-0000324. In order to insure that all questions are adequately responded to, please submit all of your questions to Linda Sapp at linda.sapp@hq.doe.gov NO LATER THAN 11:59 p.m. DST, April 18, 2010. The DOE will not entertain any questions received via telephone or facsimile.

This is a one hour conference and questions not received in advance may not be answered. Interested parties unable to attend the pre-application conference in person will be able to participate via teleconference. The following call-in number: 301-903-7082 is accessible and will provide up to 120 lines for the one hour session.

DOE is a secured facility. The following security requirements will be strictly enforced:

U.S. Citizens

1. Sign in
2. Provide proof of identification (driver’s license, badge)
3. Comply with random searches of yourself and briefcases.
4. Be escorted by a DOE representative upon completion of the sign-in process.

Non-U.S. Citizens and Persons of Foreign National origin

5. ADVANCE submission of information (name, visa, passport number, other identification, etc.) as noted in Attachment 1- Unclassified Foreign National Visits and Assignments Questionnaire. The fully completed and signed Attachment 1 must be faxed to, attention of Linda S. Sapp, 202-287-1451 or 202-287-1448, or scanned to linda.sapp@hq.doe.gov by 10:00 a.m. DST, on Monday, April 19, 2010.

6. Additionally, a list of all names of all interested Foreign National parties who attend,
must be faxed to the attention of Linda S. Sapp at 202-287-1451 or 202-287-1448, or. Scanned to Linda.Sapp@hq.doe.gov by 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 19, 2010.

The remaining requested information (passport, I-551, LPR, etc.), shall be in your
possession upon arrival at the Forrestal Building. Non-possession of required
documentation will result in non-entrance and attendance at the pre-application
conference.

Questions submitted after the April 16th date and time will be responded to by modification. The closing date of April 21, 2010, for questions remains as stated in the initial FOA.
Following are Questions submitted from interested parties and their responses.

1. Q: Do we need to have a Chinese collaborator for the proposal submission?

A: Part I, Background, Collaboration with Chinese Researchers, Page 5 states: ?The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to the FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intend to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished by (i) including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium, and/or (ii) by entering into partnerships or joint work plans with Chinese institutions that are not members of a consortium??

2. Q: I have a question regarding the US-China CERC DE-FOA-0000324. On Page there is reference to a Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC). Could you please tell me where I can get a copy of that document.

A: A copy of the Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) is attached (see Attachment B).
3. Q: Our Chinese Research labs would like to contact the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China and are looking for a contact person there to give information about the Chinese side of this program. Do you have a contact person and their coordinates to work within China?

A: We will not be able to provide this information. Please utilize the resources of the Internet, the Chinese organizations listed throughout the United States, the Chinese Embassy, and your existing contacts with relevant individuals and institutions.

4. Q: We have a number of potential Chinese collaborators who could be great members of this CERC consortium/center. But it does not seem to us that we can transfer any funding to China through this grant. Meanwhile our Chinese collaborators indicated that there is no Chinese implementation of the CERC protocol or otherwise that they have found. Thus, we are wondering how our Chinese collaborators can participate in this effort (in what form and with what funding). If there is a China call for the proposals, please let us know where to find it.

A: The Chinese collaborators may participate in this effort as stated on Page 5 of the FOA: “The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to this FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intent to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished (i) by including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium. No U.S. government funds awarded under this FOA may be used to pay for work by Chinese institutions. Chinese institutions are expected to have their own sources of funding for this work, either as part of Chinese implementation of the CDRC Protocol or otherwise.”

5. If there is a solicitation in China as part of the proposed U.S. China CERC are we supposed to submit two separate proposals to US and China at the same time? (Selecting two centers jointly). Are we envisioning that there will be the first US-China CERC in US and the one in China will be founded later?

A: There is not a solicitation in China available at the present time. The Chinese are advancing their plans for CERC, which can be expected to be announced at a later date.

6. We have had a previous contact with a China company and would like to inform them of who to contact in China for allowing them to work with us. 1- Who do they need to contact (name and phone number) at their CERC agencies identified in the FOA – MOST and NEA. Our China collaborators would prefer to ask permission prior to signing an agreement or being included in a grant. 2 – They need to know whether their government or their own company funds would pay for the Ch9nese part of the project. 3- Also, do they submit something like a grant proposal to the Chinese government: 4 – Is their contribution considered the 50% cost share if it’s their own company funds?

A: We are not able to provide contact details for individuals within MOST and NEA. DOE will consult with MOST and NEA regarding applications. Any contributions made to the consortium would be considered part of the cost share.

7. In Part III ? Eligibility Information, Section B ?COST SHARING?, it states that a cost sharing of 50% is required. Is this annual over the entire 5 year period.

A: Cost sharing may be provided annually over the 5 year period.

8. We are doing research in the area of LED lighting, and smart control for smart grid, which fit Building Energy efficiency, subcategory of US-China Energy Research Center funding Opportunity very well. We are interested in submitting an application for this funding opportunity. However the Document says that ?DOE anticipates making three awards under this announcement, one for each research area?. Does that mean this opportunity is not for small business?

A: This opportunity is unrestricted and is open to all interested parties.

9. Q: Do we need to have a Chinese collaborator for the proposal submission?

A: Part I, Background, Collaboration with Chinese Researchers, Page 5 states: ?The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to the FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intend to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished by (i) including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium, and/or (ii) by entering into partnerships or joint work plans with Chinese institutions that are not members of a consortium??

10. Q: I have a question regarding the US-China CERC DE-FOA-0000324. On Page there is reference to a Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC). Could you please tell me where I can get a copy of that document.

A: A copy of the Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) is attached (see Attachment B).
11. Q: Our Chinese Research labs would like to contact the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China and are looking for a contact person there to give information about the Chinese side of this program. Do you have a contact person and their coordinates to work within China?

A: We will not be able to provide this information. Please utilize the resources of the Internet, the Chinese organizations listed throughout the United States, the Chinese Embassy, and your existing contacts with relevant individuals and institutions.

12. Q: We have a number of potential Chinese collaborators who could be great members of this CERC consortium/center. But it does not seem to us that we can transfer any funding to China through this grant. Meanwhile our Chinese collaborators indicated that there is no Chinese implementation of the CERC protocol or otherwise that they have found. Thus, we are wondering how our Chinese collaborators can participate in this effort (in what form and with what funding). If there is a China call for the proposals, please let us know where to find it.

A: The Chinese collaborators may participate in this effort as stated on Page 5 of the FOA: “The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to this FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intent to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished (i) by including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium. No U.S. government funds awarded under this FOA may be used to pay for work by Chinese institutions. Chinese institutions are expected to have their own sources of funding for this work, either as part of Chinese implementation of the CDRC Protocol or otherwise.”

13. If there is a solicitation in China as part of the proposed U.S. China CERC are we supposed to submit two separate proposals to US and China at the same time? (Selecting two centers jointly). Are we envisioning that there will be the first US-China CERC in US and the one in China will be founded later?

A: There is not a solicitation in China available at the present time. The Chinese are advancing their plans for CERC, which can be expected to be announced at a later date.

14. We have had a previous contact with a China company and would like to inform them of who to contact in China for allowing them to work with us. 1- Who do they need to contact (name and phone number) at their CERC agencies identified in the FOA – MOST and NEA. Our China collaborators would prefer to ask permission prior to signing an agreement or being included in a grant. 2 – They need to know whether their government or their own company funds would pay for the Ch9nese part of the project. 3- Also, do they submit something like a grant proposal to the Chinese government: 4 – Is their contribution considered the 50% cost share if it’s their own company funds?

A: We are not able to provide contact details for individuals within MOST and NEA. DOE will consult with MOST and NEA regarding applications. Any contributions made to the consortium would be considered part of the cost share.

15. In Part III ? Eligibility Information, Section B ?COST SHARING?, it states that a cost sharing of 50% is required. Is this annual over the entire 5 year period.

A: Cost sharing may be provided annually over the 5 year period.

16. We are doing research in the area of LED lighting, and smart control for smart grid, which fit Building Energy efficiency, subcategory of US-China Energy Research Center funding Opportunity very well. We are interested in submitting an application for this funding opportunity. However the Document says that ?DOE anticipates making three awards under this announcement, one for each research area?. Does that mean this opportunity is not for small business?

A: This opportunity is unrestricted and is open to all interested parties.

17. What is the minimum dollar amount of cost share required for each project under this solicitation, given that the anticipated award size per project is $12,500,000 and the cost share requirement is 50% of the total allowable cost?

A: Fifty (50%) percent or one-to-one match.

18. Q: I am unable to print the full announcement on De-FOA-0000324.
A: Please note there are several ways to view this FOA in the grants.gov or fedconnect vehicles:
? Go to Grants.gov
On the left side ? click ?For Applicants?
Find Grant Opportunity(ies) {lower middle)
Click on basic search
Type in either the CFDA or the Opportunity Announcement Number
Search
Click on Opportunity Title
To the right ? click on Instructions/Applications

? http://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/

? https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/VipErrorPage.aspx

19. Q: What is the percentage of cost-sharing required?
A: Part III, B. Cost Sharing, Page 9, states: ?Cost Sharing of 50% is required. The cost share is based on the total allowable costs (i.e., the sum of the Government share, including FFRDC contractor 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??

20. Q: Can you send any additional information regarding this project ? DE-FOA-0000324?
A: Please read the FOA posted on www.FedConnect.net and submit your questions in accordance with the FOA.
21. Q: If the proposal is focused on building energy efficiency and clean coal? Or only on (1) 81.087 ? Renewable Energy Research and Development, and (2) 81.089 ? Fossil Energy Research and Development?
A: The proposal cites the two CFDA this effort is under. The FOA states the initial focus will be in three (3) areas: Building Energy Efficiency; Clean Coal including Carbon Capture and Storage; and Clean Vehicles.

The purpose of the conference is to conduct a Question and Answer session submitted by interested parties related to Funding Opportunity Notice Announcement Number DE-FOA-0000324. In order to insure that all questions are adequately responded to, please submit all of your questions to Linda Sapp at linda.sapp@hq.doe.gov NO LATER THAN 11:59 p.m. DST, April 18, 2010. The DOE will not entertain any questions received via telephone or facsimile.

This is a one hour conference and questions not received in advance may not be answered. Interested parties unable to attend the pre-application conference in person will be able to participate via teleconference. The following call-in number: 301-903-7082 is accessible and will provide up to 120 lines for the one hour session.

DOE is a secured facility. The following security requirements will be strictly enforced:

U.S. Citizens

1. Sign in
2. Provide proof of identification (driver’s license, badge)
3. Comply with random searches of yourself and briefcases.
4. Be escorted by a DOE representative upon completion of the sign-in process.

Non-U.S. Citizens and Persons of Foreign National origin

5. ADVANCE submission of information (name, visa, passport number, other identification, etc.) as noted in Attachment 1- Unclassified Foreign National Visits and Assignments Questionnaire. The fully completed and signed Attachment 1 must be faxed to, attention of Linda S. Sapp, 202-287-1451 or 202-287-1448, or scanned to linda.sapp@hq.doe.gov by 10:00 a.m. DST, on Monday, April 19, 2010.

6. Additionally, a list of all names of all interested Foreign National parties who attend,
must be faxed to the attention of Linda S. Sapp at 202-287-1451 or 202-287-1448, or. Scanned to Linda.Sapp@hq.doe.gov by 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 19, 2010.

The remaining requested information (passport, I-551, LPR, etc.), shall be in your
possession upon arrival at the Forrestal Building. Non-possession of required
documentation will result in non-entrance and attendance at the pre-application
conference.

Questions submitted after the April 16th date and time will be responded to by modification. The closing date of April 21, 2010, for questions remains as stated in the initial FOA.
Following are Questions submitted from interested parties and their responses.

1. Q: Do we need to have a Chinese collaborator for the proposal submission?

A: Part I, Background, Collaboration with Chinese Researchers, Page 5 states: ?The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to the FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intend to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished by (i) including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium, and/or (ii) by entering into partnerships or joint work plans with Chinese institutions that are not members of a consortium??

2. Q: I have a question regarding the US-China CERC DE-FOA-0000324. On Page there is reference to a Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC). Could you please tell me where I can get a copy of that document.

A: A copy of the Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) is attached (see Attachment B).
3. Q: Our Chinese Research labs would like to contact the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China and are looking for a contact person there to give information about the Chinese side of this program. Do you have a contact person and their coordinates to work within China?

A: We will not be able to provide this information. Please utilize the resources of the Internet, the Chinese organizations listed throughout the United States, the Chinese Embassy, and your existing contacts with relevant individuals and institutions.

4. Q: We have a number of potential Chinese collaborators who could be great members of this CERC consortium/center. But it does not seem to us that we can transfer any funding to China through this grant. Meanwhile our Chinese collaborators indicated that there is no Chinese implementation of the CERC protocol or otherwise that they have found. Thus, we are wondering how our Chinese collaborators can participate in this effort (in what form and with what funding). If there is a China call for the proposals, please let us know where to find it.

A: The Chinese collaborators may participate in this effort as stated on Page 5 of the FOA: “The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to this FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intent to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished (i) by including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium. No U.S. government funds awarded under this FOA may be used to pay for work by Chinese institutions. Chinese institutions are expected to have their own sources of funding for this work, either as part of Chinese implementation of the CDRC Protocol or otherwise.”

5. If there is a solicitation in China as part of the proposed U.S. China CERC are we supposed to submit two separate proposals to US and China at the same time? (Selecting two centers jointly). Are we envisioning that there will be the first US-China CERC in US and the one in China will be founded later?

A: There is not a solicitation in China available at the present time. The Chinese are advancing their plans for CERC, which can be expected to be announced at a later date.

6. We have had a previous contact with a China company and would like to inform them of who to contact in China for allowing them to work with us. 1- Who do they need to contact (name and phone number) at their CERC agencies identified in the FOA – MOST and NEA. Our China collaborators would prefer to ask permission prior to signing an agreement or being included in a grant. 2 – They need to know whether their government or their own company funds would pay for the Ch9nese part of the project. 3- Also, do they submit something like a grant proposal to the Chinese government: 4 – Is their contribution considered the 50% cost share if it’s their own company funds?

A: We are not able to provide contact details for individuals within MOST and NEA. DOE will consult with MOST and NEA regarding applications. Any contributions made to the consortium would be considered part of the cost share.

7. In Part III ? Eligibility Information, Section B ?COST SHARING?, it states that a cost sharing of 50% is required. Is this annual over the entire 5 year period.

A: Cost sharing may be provided annually over the 5 year period.

8. We are doing research in the area of LED lighting, and smart control for smart grid, which fit Building Energy efficiency, subcategory of US-China Energy Research Center funding Opportunity very well. We are interested in submitting an application for this funding opportunity. However the Document says that ?DOE anticipates making three awards under this announcement, one for each research area?. Does that mean this opportunity is not for small business?

A: This opportunity is unrestricted and is open to all interested parties.

9. Q: Do we need to have a Chinese collaborator for the proposal submission?

A: Part I, Background, Collaboration with Chinese Researchers, Page 5 states: ?The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to the FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intend to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished by (i) including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium, and/or (ii) by entering into partnerships or joint work plans with Chinese institutions that are not members of a consortium??

10. Q: I have a question regarding the US-China CERC DE-FOA-0000324. On Page there is reference to a Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC). Could you please tell me where I can get a copy of that document.

A: A copy of the Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) is attached (see Attachment B).
11. Q: Our Chinese Research labs would like to contact the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China and are looking for a contact person there to give information about the Chinese side of this program. Do you have a contact person and their coordinates to work within China?

A: We will not be able to provide this information. Please utilize the resources of the Internet, the Chinese organizations listed throughout the United States, the Chinese Embassy, and your existing contacts with relevant individuals and institutions.

12. Q: We have a number of potential Chinese collaborators who could be great members of this CERC consortium/center. But it does not seem to us that we can transfer any funding to China through this grant. Meanwhile our Chinese collaborators indicated that there is no Chinese implementation of the CERC protocol or otherwise that they have found. Thus, we are wondering how our Chinese collaborators can participate in this effort (in what form and with what funding). If there is a China call for the proposals, please let us know where to find it.

A: The Chinese collaborators may participate in this effort as stated on Page 5 of the FOA: “The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to this FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intent to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished (i) by including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium. No U.S. government funds awarded under this FOA may be used to pay for work by Chinese institutions. Chinese institutions are expected to have their own sources of funding for this work, either as part of Chinese implementation of the CDRC Protocol or otherwise.”

13. If there is a solicitation in China as part of the proposed U.S. China CERC are we supposed to submit two separate proposals to US and China at the same time? (Selecting two centers jointly). Are we envisioning that there will be the first US-China CERC in US and the one in China will be founded later?

A: There is not a solicitation in China available at the present time. The Chinese are advancing their plans for CERC, which can be expected to be announced at a later date.

14. We have had a previous contact with a China company and would like to inform them of who to contact in China for allowing them to work with us. 1- Who do they need to contact (name and phone number) at their CERC agencies identified in the FOA – MOST and NEA. Our China collaborators would prefer to ask permission prior to signing an agreement or being included in a grant. 2 – They need to know whether their government or their own company funds would pay for the Ch9nese part of the project. 3- Also, do they submit something like a grant proposal to the Chinese government: 4 – Is their contribution considered the 50% cost share if it’s their own company funds?

A: We are not able to provide contact details for individuals within MOST and NEA. DOE will consult with MOST and NEA regarding applications. Any contributions made to the consortium would be considered part of the cost share.

15. In Part III ? Eligibility Information, Section B ?COST SHARING?, it states that a cost sharing of 50% is required. Is this annual over the entire 5 year period.

A: Cost sharing may be provided annually over the 5 year period.

16. We are doing research in the area of LED lighting, and smart control for smart grid, which fit Building Energy efficiency, subcategory of US-China Energy Research Center funding Opportunity very well. We are interested in submitting an application for this funding opportunity. However the Document says that ?DOE anticipates making three awards under this announcement, one for each research area?. Does that mean this opportunity is not for small business?

A: This opportunity is unrestricted and is open to all interested parties.

17. What is the minimum dollar amount of cost share required for each project under this solicitation, given that the anticipated award size per project is $12,500,000 and the cost share requirement is 50% of the total allowable cost?

A: Fifty (50%) percent or one-to-one match.

18. Q: I am unable to print the full announcement on De-FOA-0000324.
A: Please note there are several ways to view this FOA in the grants.gov or fedconnect vehicles:
? Go to Grants.gov
On the left side ? click ?For Applicants?
Find Grant Opportunity(ies) {lower middle)
Click on basic search
Type in either the CFDA or the Opportunity Announcement Number
Search
Click on Opportunity Title
To the right ? click on Instructions/Applications

? http://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/

? https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/VipErrorPage.aspx

19. Q: What is the percentage of cost-sharing required?
A: Part III, B. Cost Sharing, Page 9, states: ?Cost Sharing of 50% is required. The cost share is based on the total allowable costs (i.e., the sum of the Government share, including FFRDC contractor 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??

20. Q: Can you send any additional information regarding this project ? DE-FOA-0000324?
A: Please read the FOA posted on www.FedConnect.net and submit your questions in accordance with the FOA.
21. Q: If the proposal is focused on building energy efficiency and clean coal? Or only on (1) 81.087 ? Renewable Energy Research and Development, and (2) 81.089 ? Fossil Energy Research and Development?
A: The proposal cites the two CFDA this effort is under. The FOA states the initial focus will be in three (3) areas: Building Energy Efficiency; Clean Coal including Carbon Capture and Storage; and Clean Vehicles.

The purpose of the conference is to conduct a Question and Answer session submitted by interested parties related to Funding Opportunity Notice Announcement Number DE-FOA-0000324. In order to insure that all questions are adequately responded to, please submit all of your questions to Linda Sapp at linda.sapp@hq.doe.gov NO LATER THAN 11:59 p.m. DST, April 18, 2010. The DOE will not entertain any questions received via telephone or facsimile.

This is a one hour conference and questions not received in advance may not be answered. Interested parties unable to attend the pre-application conference in person will be able to participate via teleconference. The following call-in number: 301-903-7082 is accessible and will provide up to 120 lines for the one hour session.

DOE is a secured facility. The following security requirements will be strictly enforced:

U.S. Citizens

1. Sign in
2. Provide proof of identification (driver’s license, badge)
3. Comply with random searches of yourself and briefcases.
4. Be escorted by a DOE representative upon completion of the sign-in process.

Non-U.S. Citizens and Persons of Foreign National origin

5. ADVANCE submission of information (name, visa, passport number, other identification, etc.) as noted in Attachment 1- Unclassified Foreign National Visits and Assignments Questionnaire. The fully completed and signed Attachment 1 must be faxed to, attention of Linda S. Sapp, 202-287-1451 or 202-287-1448, or scanned to linda.sapp@hq.doe.gov by 10:00 a.m. DST, on Monday, April 19, 2010.

6. Additionally, a list of all names of all interested Foreign National parties who attend,
must be faxed to the attention of Linda S. Sapp at 202-287-1451 or 202-287-1448, or. Scanned to Linda.Sapp@hq.doe.gov by 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 19, 2010.

The remaining requested information (passport, I-551, LPR, etc.), shall be in your
possession upon arrival at the Forrestal Building. Non-possession of required
documentation will result in non-entrance and attendance at the pre-application
conference.

Questions submitted after the April 16th date and time will be responded to by modification. The closing date of April 21, 2010, for questions remains as stated in the initial FOA.
Following are Questions submitted from interested parties and their responses.

1. Q: Do we need to have a Chinese collaborator for the proposal submission?

A: Part I, Background, Collaboration with Chinese Researchers, Page 5 states: ?The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to the FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intend to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished by (i) including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium, and/or (ii) by entering into partnerships or joint work plans with Chinese institutions that are not members of a consortium??

2. Q: I have a question regarding the US-China CERC DE-FOA-0000324. On Page there is reference to a Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC). Could you please tell me where I can get a copy of that document.

A: A copy of the Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) is attached (see Attachment B).
3. Q: Our Chinese Research labs would like to contact the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China and are looking for a contact person there to give information about the Chinese side of this program. Do you have a contact person and their coordinates to work within China?

A: We will not be able to provide this information. Please utilize the resources of the Internet, the Chinese organizations listed throughout the United States, the Chinese Embassy, and your existing contacts with relevant individuals and institutions.

4. Q: We have a number of potential Chinese collaborators who could be great members of this CERC consortium/center. But it does not seem to us that we can transfer any funding to China through this grant. Meanwhile our Chinese collaborators indicated that there is no Chinese implementation of the CERC protocol or otherwise that they have found. Thus, we are wondering how our Chinese collaborators can participate in this effort (in what form and with what funding). If there is a China call for the proposals, please let us know where to find it.

A: The Chinese collaborators may participate in this effort as stated on Page 5 of the FOA: “The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to this FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intent to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished (i) by including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium. No U.S. government funds awarded under this FOA may be used to pay for work by Chinese institutions. Chinese institutions are expected to have their own sources of funding for this work, either as part of Chinese implementation of the CDRC Protocol or otherwise.”

5. If there is a solicitation in China as part of the proposed U.S. China CERC are we supposed to submit two separate proposals to US and China at the same time? (Selecting two centers jointly). Are we envisioning that there will be the first US-China CERC in US and the one in China will be founded later?

A: There is not a solicitation in China available at the present time. The Chinese are advancing their plans for CERC, which can be expected to be announced at a later date.

6. We have had a previous contact with a China company and would like to inform them of who to contact in China for allowing them to work with us. 1- Who do they need to contact (name and phone number) at their CERC agencies identified in the FOA – MOST and NEA. Our China collaborators would prefer to ask permission prior to signing an agreement or being included in a grant. 2 – They need to know whether their government or their own company funds would pay for the Ch9nese part of the project. 3- Also, do they submit something like a grant proposal to the Chinese government: 4 – Is their contribution considered the 50% cost share if it’s their own company funds?

A: We are not able to provide contact details for individuals within MOST and NEA. DOE will consult with MOST and NEA regarding applications. Any contributions made to the consortium would be considered part of the cost share.

7. In Part III ? Eligibility Information, Section B ?COST SHARING?, it states that a cost sharing of 50% is required. Is this annual over the entire 5 year period.

A: Cost sharing may be provided annually over the 5 year period.

8. We are doing research in the area of LED lighting, and smart control for smart grid, which fit Building Energy efficiency, subcategory of US-China Energy Research Center funding Opportunity very well. We are interested in submitting an application for this funding opportunity. However the Document says that ?DOE anticipates making three awards under this announcement, one for each research area?. Does that mean this opportunity is not for small business?

A: This opportunity is unrestricted and is open to all interested parties.

9. Q: Do we need to have a Chinese collaborator for the proposal submission?

A: Part I, Background, Collaboration with Chinese Researchers, Page 5 states: ?The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to the FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intend to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished by (i) including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium, and/or (ii) by entering into partnerships or joint work plans with Chinese institutions that are not members of a consortium??

10. Q: I have a question regarding the US-China CERC DE-FOA-0000324. On Page there is reference to a Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC). Could you please tell me where I can get a copy of that document.

A: A copy of the Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) is attached (see Attachment B).
11. Q: Our Chinese Research labs would like to contact the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China and are looking for a contact person there to give information about the Chinese side of this program. Do you have a contact person and their coordinates to work within China?

A: We will not be able to provide this information. Please utilize the resources of the Internet, the Chinese organizations listed throughout the United States, the Chinese Embassy, and your existing contacts with relevant individuals and institutions.

12. Q: We have a number of potential Chinese collaborators who could be great members of this CERC consortium/center. But it does not seem to us that we can transfer any funding to China through this grant. Meanwhile our Chinese collaborators indicated that there is no Chinese implementation of the CERC protocol or otherwise that they have found. Thus, we are wondering how our Chinese collaborators can participate in this effort (in what form and with what funding). If there is a China call for the proposals, please let us know where to find it.

A: The Chinese collaborators may participate in this effort as stated on Page 5 of the FOA: “The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to this FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intent to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished (i) by including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium. No U.S. government funds awarded under this FOA may be used to pay for work by Chinese institutions. Chinese institutions are expected to have their own sources of funding for this work, either as part of Chinese implementation of the CDRC Protocol or otherwise.”

13. If there is a solicitation in China as part of the proposed U.S. China CERC are we supposed to submit two separate proposals to US and China at the same time? (Selecting two centers jointly). Are we envisioning that there will be the first US-China CERC in US and the one in China will be founded later?

A: There is not a solicitation in China available at the present time. The Chinese are advancing their plans for CERC, which can be expected to be announced at a later date.

14. We have had a previous contact with a China company and would like to inform them of who to contact in China for allowing them to work with us. 1- Who do they need to contact (name and phone number) at their CERC agencies identified in the FOA – MOST and NEA. Our China collaborators would prefer to ask permission prior to signing an agreement or being included in a grant. 2 – They need to know whether their government or their own company funds would pay for the Ch9nese part of the project. 3- Also, do they submit something like a grant proposal to the Chinese government: 4 – Is their contribution considered the 50% cost share if it’s their own company funds?

A: We are not able to provide contact details for individuals within MOST and NEA. DOE will consult with MOST and NEA regarding applications. Any contributions made to the consortium would be considered part of the cost share.

15. In Part III ? Eligibility Information, Section B ?COST SHARING?, it states that a cost sharing of 50% is required. Is this annual over the entire 5 year period.

A: Cost sharing may be provided annually over the 5 year period.

16. We are doing research in the area of LED lighting, and smart control for smart grid, which fit Building Energy efficiency, subcategory of US-China Energy Research Center funding Opportunity very well. We are interested in submitting an application for this funding opportunity. However the Document says that ?DOE anticipates making three awards under this announcement, one for each research area?. Does that mean this opportunity is not for small business?

A: This opportunity is unrestricted and is open to all interested parties.

17. What is the minimum dollar amount of cost share required for each project under this solicitation, given that the anticipated award size per project is $12,500,000 and the cost share requirement is 50% of the total allowable cost?

A: Fifty (50%) percent or one-to-one match.

18. Q: I am unable to print the full announcement on De-FOA-0000324.
A: Please note there are several ways to view this FOA in the grants.gov or fedconnect vehicles:
? Go to Grants.gov
On the left side ? click ?For Applicants?
Find Grant Opportunity(ies) {lower middle)
Click on basic search
Type in either the CFDA or the Opportunity Announcement Number
Search
Click on Opportunity Title
To the right ? click on Instructions/Applications

? http://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/

? https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/VipErrorPage.aspx

19. Q: What is the percentage of cost-sharing required?
A: Part III, B. Cost Sharing, Page 9, states: ?Cost Sharing of 50% is required. The cost share is based on the total allowable costs (i.e., the sum of the Government share, including FFRDC contractor 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??

20. Q: Can you send any additional information regarding this project ? DE-FOA-0000324?
A: Please read the FOA posted on www.FedConnect.net and submit your questions in accordance with the FOA.
21. Q: If the proposal is focused on building energy efficiency and clean coal? Or only on (1) 81.087 ? Renewable Energy Research and Development, and (2) 81.089 ? Fossil Energy Research and Development?
A: The proposal cites the two CFDA this effort is under. The FOA states the initial focus will be in three (3) areas: Building Energy Efficiency; Clean Coal including Carbon Capture and Storage; and Clean Vehicles.

The purpose of the conference is to conduct a Question and Answer session submitted by interested parties related to Funding Opportunity Notice Announcement Number DE-FOA-0000324. In order to insure that all questions are adequately responded to, please submit all of your questions to Linda Sapp at linda.sapp@hq.doe.gov NO LATER THAN 11:59 p.m. DST, April 18, 2010. The DOE will not entertain any questions received via telephone or facsimile.

This is a one hour conference and questions not received in advance may not be answered. Interested parties unable to attend the pre-application conference in person will be able to participate via teleconference. The following call-in number: 301-903-7082 is accessible and will provide up to 120 lines for the one hour session.

DOE is a secured facility. The following security requirements will be strictly enforced:

U.S. Citizens

1. Sign in
2. Provide proof of identification (driver’s license, badge)
3. Comply with random searches of yourself and briefcases.
4. Be escorted by a DOE representative upon completion of the sign-in process.

Non-U.S. Citizens and Persons of Foreign National origin

5. ADVANCE submission of information (name, visa, passport number, other identification, etc.) as noted in Attachment 1- Unclassified Foreign National Visits and Assignments Questionnaire. The fully completed and signed Attachment 1 must be faxed to, attention of Linda S. Sapp, 202-287-1451 or 202-287-1448, or scanned to linda.sapp@hq.doe.gov by 10:00 a.m. DST, on Monday, April 19, 2010.

6. Additionally, a list of all names of all interested Foreign National parties who attend,
must be faxed to the attention of Linda S. Sapp at 202-287-1451 or 202-287-1448, or. Scanned to Linda.Sapp@hq.doe.gov by 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 19, 2010.

The remaining requested information (passport, I-551, LPR, etc.), shall be in your
possession upon arrival at the Forrestal Building. Non-possession of required
documentation will result in non-entrance and attendance at the pre-application
conference.

Questions submitted after the April 16th date and time will be responded to by modification. The closing date of April 21, 2010, for questions remains as stated in the initial FOA.
Following are Questions submitted from interested parties and their responses.

1. Q: Do we need to have a Chinese collaborator for the proposal submission?

A: Part I, Background, Collaboration with Chinese Researchers, Page 5 states: ?The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to the FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intend to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished by (i) including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium, and/or (ii) by entering into partnerships or joint work plans with Chinese institutions that are not members of a consortium??

2. Q: I have a question regarding the US-China CERC DE-FOA-0000324. On Page there is reference to a Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC). Could you please tell me where I can get a copy of that document.

A: A copy of the Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) is attached (see Attachment B).
3. Q: Our Chinese Research labs would like to contact the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China and are looking for a contact person there to give information about the Chinese side of this program. Do you have a contact person and their coordinates to work within China?

A: We will not be able to provide this information. Please utilize the resources of the Internet, the Chinese organizations listed throughout the United States, the Chinese Embassy, and your existing contacts with relevant individuals and institutions.

4. Q: We have a number of potential Chinese collaborators who could be great members of this CERC consortium/center. But it does not seem to us that we can transfer any funding to China through this grant. Meanwhile our Chinese collaborators indicated that there is no Chinese implementation of the CERC protocol or otherwise that they have found. Thus, we are wondering how our Chinese collaborators can participate in this effort (in what form and with what funding). If there is a China call for the proposals, please let us know where to find it.

A: The Chinese collaborators may participate in this effort as stated on Page 5 of the FOA: “The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to this FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intent to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished (i) by including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium. No U.S. government funds awarded under this FOA may be used to pay for work by Chinese institutions. Chinese institutions are expected to have their own sources of funding for this work, either as part of Chinese implementation of the CDRC Protocol or otherwise.”

5. If there is a solicitation in China as part of the proposed U.S. China CERC are we supposed to submit two separate proposals to US and China at the same time? (Selecting two centers jointly). Are we envisioning that there will be the first US-China CERC in US and the one in China will be founded later?

A: There is not a solicitation in China available at the present time. The Chinese are advancing their plans for CERC, which can be expected to be announced at a later date.

6. We have had a previous contact with a China company and would like to inform them of who to contact in China for allowing them to work with us. 1- Who do they need to contact (name and phone number) at their CERC agencies identified in the FOA – MOST and NEA. Our China collaborators would prefer to ask permission prior to signing an agreement or being included in a grant. 2 – They need to know whether their government or their own company funds would pay for the Ch9nese part of the project. 3- Also, do they submit something like a grant proposal to the Chinese government: 4 – Is their contribution considered the 50% cost share if it’s their own company funds?

A: We are not able to provide contact details for individuals within MOST and NEA. DOE will consult with MOST and NEA regarding applications. Any contributions made to the consortium would be considered part of the cost share.

7. In Part III ? Eligibility Information, Section B ?COST SHARING?, it states that a cost sharing of 50% is required. Is this annual over the entire 5 year period.

A: Cost sharing may be provided annually over the 5 year period.

8. We are doing research in the area of LED lighting, and smart control for smart grid, which fit Building Energy efficiency, subcategory of US-China Energy Research Center funding Opportunity very well. We are interested in submitting an application for this funding opportunity. However the Document says that ?DOE anticipates making three awards under this announcement, one for each research area?. Does that mean this opportunity is not for small business?

A: This opportunity is unrestricted and is open to all interested parties.

9. Q: Do we need to have a Chinese collaborator for the proposal submission?

A: Part I, Background, Collaboration with Chinese Researchers, Page 5 states: ?The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to the FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intend to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished by (i) including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium, and/or (ii) by entering into partnerships or joint work plans with Chinese institutions that are not members of a consortium??

10. Q: I have a question regarding the US-China CERC DE-FOA-0000324. On Page there is reference to a Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC). Could you please tell me where I can get a copy of that document.

A: A copy of the Protocol establishing the US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) is attached (see Attachment B).
11. Q: Our Chinese Research labs would like to contact the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China and are looking for a contact person there to give information about the Chinese side of this program. Do you have a contact person and their coordinates to work within China?

A: We will not be able to provide this information. Please utilize the resources of the Internet, the Chinese organizations listed throughout the United States, the Chinese Embassy, and your existing contacts with relevant individuals and institutions.

12. Q: We have a number of potential Chinese collaborators who could be great members of this CERC consortium/center. But it does not seem to us that we can transfer any funding to China through this grant. Meanwhile our Chinese collaborators indicated that there is no Chinese implementation of the CERC protocol or otherwise that they have found. Thus, we are wondering how our Chinese collaborators can participate in this effort (in what form and with what funding). If there is a China call for the proposals, please let us know where to find it.

A: The Chinese collaborators may participate in this effort as stated on Page 5 of the FOA: “The CERC is intended to promote joint research and development on clean energy by teams of scientists and engineers from the U.S. and China. In materials responding to this FOA, applicants should identify the Chinese institutions with which they intent to pursue partnerships or joint work plans. This may be accomplished (i) by including Chinese institutions as members of a consortium. No U.S. government funds awarded under this FOA may be used to pay for work by Chinese institutions. Chinese institutions are expected to have their own sources of funding for this work, either as part of Chinese implementation of the CDRC Protocol or otherwise.”

13. If there is a solicitation in China as part of the proposed U.S. China CERC are we supposed to submit two separate proposals to US and China at the same time? (Selecting two centers jointly). Are we envisioning that there will be the first US-China CERC in US and the one in China will be founded later?

A: There is not a solicitation in China available at the present time. The Chinese are advancing their plans for CERC, which can be expected to be announced at a later date.

14. We have had a previous contact with a China company and would like to inform them of who to contact in China for allowing them to work with us. 1- Who do they need to contact (name and phone number) at their CERC agencies identified in the FOA – MOST and NEA. Our China collaborators would prefer to ask permission prior to signing an agreement or being included in a grant. 2 – They need to know whether their government or their own company funds would pay for the Ch9nese part of the project. 3- Also, do they submit something like a grant proposal to the Chinese government: 4 – Is their contribution considered the 50% cost share if it’s their own company funds?

A: We are not able to provide contact details for individuals within MOST and NEA. DOE will consult with MOST and NEA regarding applications. Any contributions made to the consortium would be considered part of the cost share.

15. In Part III ? Eligibility Information, Section B ?COST SHARING?, it states that a cost sharing of 50% is required. Is this annual over the entire 5 year period.

A: Cost sharing may be provided annually over the 5 year period.

16. We are doing research in the area of LED lighting, and smart control for smart grid, which fit Building Energy efficiency, subcategory of US-China Energy Research Center funding Opportunity very well. We are interested in submitting an application for this funding opportunity. However the Document says that ?DOE anticipates making three awards under this announcement, one for each research area?. Does that mean this opportunity is not for small business?

A: This opportunity is unrestricted and is open to all interested parties.

17. What is the minimum dollar amount of cost share required for each project under this solicitation, given that the anticipated award size per project is $12,500,000 and the cost share requirement is 50% of the total allowable cost?

A: Fifty (50%) percent or one-to-one match.

18. Q: I am unable to print the full announcement on De-FOA-0000324.
A: Please note there are several ways to view this FOA in the grants.gov or fedconnect vehicles:
? Go to Grants.gov
On the left side ? click ?For Applicants?
Find Grant Opportunity(ies) {lower middle)
Click on basic search
Type in either the CFDA or the Opportunity Announcement Number
Search
Click on Opportunity Title
To the right ? click on Instructions/Applications

? http://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/

? https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/VipErrorPage.aspx

19. Q: What is the percentage of cost-sharing required?
A: Part III, B. Cost Sharing, Page 9, states: ?Cost Sharing of 50% is required. The cost share is based on the total allowable costs (i.e., the sum of the Government share, including FFRDC contractor 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??

20. Q: Can you send any additional information regarding this project ? DE-FOA-0000324?
A: Please read the FOA posted on www.FedConnect.net and submit your questions in accordance with the FOA.
21. Q: If the proposal is focused on building energy efficiency and clean coal? Or only on (1) 81.087 ? Renewable Energy Research and Development, and (2) 81.089 ? Fossil Energy Research and Development?
A: The proposal cites the two CFDA this effort is under. The FOA states the initial focus will be in three (3) areas: Building Energy Efficiency; Clean Coal including Carbon Capture and Storage; and Clean Vehicles.

1. building energy efficiency
2. clean coal including carbon capture and storage
3. clean vehicles

These are areas in which the U.S. and China have a shared interest in further developing technology to help our countries meet clean energy and climate change goals. Awards will be made to consortia with the knowledge and experience to undertake first-rate collaborative research programs. These Consortia will help bring together top talent from both countries and are expected to generate key technological advancement through genuine collaboration between U.S. and Chinese researchers.

1. building energy efficiency
2. clean coal including carbon capture and storage
3. clean vehicles

These are areas in which the U.S. and China have a shared interest in further developing technology to help our countries meet clean energy and climate change goals. Awards will be made to consortia with the knowledge and experience to undertake first-rate collaborative research programs. These Consortia will help bring together top talent from both countries and are expected to generate key technological advancement through genuine collaboration between U.S. and Chinese researchers.