Notice of Intent- Tribal Funding Opportunity

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy issued two Notices of Intent (NOIs) to release a combined $30 million in Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) later this summer.

The first NOI will support Tribal clean energy planning and development, and the second NOI will support Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) planning to transition to clean energy.

Through these planned FOAs, the Office of Indian Energy will continue its effort to advance Tribal energy sovereignty and maximize the deployment of clean, reliable, affordable, and local energy solutions.

DOE anticipates issuing the following two Tribal energy funding opportunities in late summer 2024.

Tribal Clean Energy Planning and Development NOI (DE-FOA-0003400) 

This planned FOA will solicit applications for the planning, assessment, and development of clean energy projects on Tribal buildings or Tribal lands, to:  

1. Conduct Tribal clean energy planning

2. Comprehensively assess the feasibility and viability of deploying clean energy technology on Tribal lands, or

3. Conduct clean energy project design and development activities for deployment on Tribal buildings or Tribal lands.

Under the planned FOA, the Office of Indian Energy anticipates making approximately $25 million available with awards that range from $100,000 to $2,500,000. 

A 10% recipient cost share is anticipated to be required under the planned FOA. However, the Office of Indian Energy may provide an opportunity for eligible applicants to request a cost share reduction from 10% to 0% based on poverty rate and median household income of the Tribal community relative to the statewide median household income. 

Download the NOI (DE-FOA-0003400) for Tribal Clean Energy Planning and Development – 2025.

TCUs Planning for Clean Energy Transition NOI (DE-FOA-0003402)

This planned FOA intends to provide financial support to TCUs to plan the transition of their campuses to clean energy.

Under the planned FOA, the Office of Indian Energy anticipates making approximately $5 million available with awards that range from $100,000 to $250,000 for planning grants. 

No recipient cost share is anticipated under the planned FOA.

Download the NOI (DE-FOA-3402) for Tribal Colleges and Universities Planning for Clean Energy Transition – 2025. 

Breaking Down Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Costs Article

Check out this article by “School Bus Fleet” on the costs and benefits of different alternative fuel infrastructure. School Bus Fleet talked to experts on several alternative fuels and has a basic breakdown of what pupil transportation providers can expect to pay when making the switch. Use the link below to read this informative article.

https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/10214040/breaking-down-alternative-fuel-infrastructure-costs?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20240801_1708:66aa977c9a9cfd20d9067f4e:ot_NL-SBF-Newsline-Thursday-20240801&omid=1161648733&cid=653a328d240a1c3feb0862df

Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Funding Round Two Open

The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) last week opened applications for a historic $1.3 billion funding opportunity for electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative fueling infrastructure—including hydrogen fueling infrastructure—in urban and rural communities and along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways.

This funding opportunity is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program and funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program that are set aside for strategic grants to states and local governments. Supported by unifying guidance and technical assistance from the Joint Office, the CFI program is administered by the Federal Highway Administration and is open to state, regional, Tribal, and local government entities. The CFI program is divided into two distinct grant funding categories and requires that 50% of the funding over five years is made available for both communities and corridors: 

• Community Charging and Fueling Grants: This program will strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure in urban and rural communities. 

• Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants: This program will strategically deploy publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure and hydrogen, propane, and natural gas fueling infrastructure along designated alternative fuel corridors. 

Eligible applicants include states, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, port authorities, Indian Tribes, U.S. territories, and more. Applications are due by August 28, 2024.

Read more about this funding opportunity.