Stimulus Funding Opportunities

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (economic stimulus bill) provides many funding opportunities for public power. FMEA has divided these opportunities into the categories below and will continue to add documents to this page as more guidance and information becomes available.

Starting Out

Background Information

Energy Efficiency

Smart Grid

Broadband

Starting out – Getting registered

If you plan to seek stimulus funding from the federal government, there are several one-time actions you must take in order to submit a proposal for funding. These are: 1)  obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, 2) register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), and 3) register with FedConnect (see links below). Applicants who are not registered with CCR and FedConnect, should allow at least 10 days to complete these requirements. It is suggested that the process be started as soon as possible. All questions regarding the funding and the FINAL announcement must be submitted through the FedConnect portal.

1) Go to http://grants.gov/ and follow the information regarding registration.

2) Obtain a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number

DUNS website: http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/

3) Register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR)

CCR website: http://www.ccr.gov/

4) Register with FedConnect to submit your application

 FedConnect website: www.fedconnect.net

Background information

Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency Community Block Grants

Weatherization Assistance Formula Grants

Energy Star Rebates

Florida is eligible for about $18 million in stimulus funds for Energy Star appliance rebates. There is a requirement that the ADMINISTRATIVE costs of processing the rebates be matched by 50 percent. Currently, the Florida Energy Office plans to administer the rebates, and has sought funds from the legislature to match the administrative costs.

Assuming the State gets approval to offer the rebates, it will make the rebates available through appliance dealers. Thus, any member of the public who purchases a certain type of Energy Star appliance (see below) will have the opportunity for a rebate. Rebate levels have not been set. The Florida Energy Office will likely seek to coordinate its rebates with existing utility Energy Star rebate programs. They may ask utilities with existing, overlapping rebates to develop ideas for joint marketing.

Qualified rebates are limited only to the following Energy Star appliances:

Energy Star refrigerators
Energy Star freezers
Energy Star washers (not dryers)
Energy Star dishwashers
Energy Star room air conditioners (not central a/c)
Energy Star dehumidifiers

Smart Grid

On April 16, 2009, the Department of Energy issued a draft funding opportunity announcement for smart grid demonstration projects.  Comments on the draft are due May 6.  After the comments are received, a final announcement will be issued with an application due date. 

Smart Grid Demonstrations Funding Opportunity Notice (FON) DE-FOA-0000036 Initial Draft [doc] – Comments due by May 6th. This FON contains proposed numbers of projects and the proposed award size for industry segments. The focus is for shovel ready demonstrations projects regional in nature.

Smart Grid Investment Grant Program (DE-FOA-0000058)/Smart Grid Notice of Intent (NOI) to Issue a Funding Opportunity Notice – Comments are due May 6th. This NOI is for investments and cost-sharing. There will be three anticipated deadlines to submit projects – July 2009, December 2009 and March 2010. The program will support projects that promote deployment, indlucing development of component technologies. Individual award range aticipated to be between $500k to $20 million. The formal Funding Opportunity Announcement is anticipated for release on or about June 17, 2009.

Smart Grid Information Clearinghouse Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA00000020) [doc] – Applications for funding were due April 6, 2009.

Broadband

Summary from Spiegel & McDiarmid, LLP [pdf]

Report from the NTIA and RUS Public Meeting on AARA Broadband Initiatives [doc]

The U.S. Department of Energy has Issued a  Notice of Intent for a Data Center and Telecom Technology Energy Efficiency Funding Opportunity. Potential applicants should prepare to apply for this funding opportunity once it is released by completing the pre-registration process.

 APPA Webinar Stimulus Funding Opportunities for Broadband Projects [pdf]

APPA Comments on Broadband Provisions in Stimulus [pdf]
Receipt of Filed Comments [pdf]