Description:The Department of Energy Office of State and Community Energy Programs has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for Energy Improvements at Public K-12 School Facilities. $500 million is available for the five year period encompassing Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 through 2026 to renew America’s schools by investing in more efficient, energy-saving school buildings.
To support the Biden Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments in clean energy and climate solutions will be targeted to disadvantaged communities, as defined in the FOA.
DOE estimates that $80 million is available for FY2022, and expects to make approximately 20-100 awards. Individual awards are estimated to vary between $500,000 and $15,000,000. The program includes two Topic Areas:
- Topic Area 1 – High-Impact Energy Efficiency and Health Improvements through repairs, renovations, and/or installations that result in direct reduction to school energy costs, increase energy efficiency, and lead to improvements in teacher and student health, including indoor air quality; and
- Topic Area 2 – Innovative Energy Technology Packages, improvements, repairs, and/or renovations that incorporate two or more of the following energy improvements:
- Energy efficiency measures e.g. HVAC, building envelope improvements, lighting retrofits, sensors and controls;
- Installation of renewable energy technologies e.g. rooftop solar or micro wind turbines;
- Alternative fueled vehicle infrastructure on school grounds;
- Purchase or lease of alternative fueled vehicles to be used by a school.
Link to Program Website: DE-FOA-0002756 Energy Improvements at Public K-12 School Facilities
Links to Other Related Websites:
Eligible Applicants: Local educational agency; Schools; Others
Due Dates:
- Mandatory Concept Paper Due: Thursday, January 26, 2023
- Full Application Due: Friday, April 21, 2023
Applicants must register with and submit application materials through the Department of Energy’s EERE Exchange online application portal.
Non-Federal Cost-Share: At least 5% of the total allowable costs. This can be comprised of non-federal sources of cash or in-kind contributions.
CRCOG is providing information about this program for informational purposes. Please coordinate with your local Board of Education and/or regional educational service center (RESC) to identify ways you can take advantage of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.
