The Department of Energy (DOE) has just announced its FY 2025 SBIR/STTR Phase I Release 1 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), providing a unique chance for small businesses to engage in groundbreaking research and development. This release includes participation from various DOE program offices, including the Office of Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR), Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES), Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER), Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES), Office of High Energy Physics (HEP), and Office of Nuclear Physics (NP).
Key Dates to Remember
- Funding Opportunity Announcement Issued: August 05, 2024
- Letter of Intent (LOI) Due Date: August 27, 2024, by 5 PM EDT
- Non-responsive LOI Feedback Provided: September 16, 2024
- Application Due Date: October 8, 2024, by 11:59 PM EDT
- Award Notification Date: January 06, 2025*
- Start of Grant Budget Period: February 18, 2025*
(*Dates are subject to change.)
Importance of the Mandatory LOI
One of the critical aspects of this funding opportunity is the mandatory Letter of Intent (LOI), which must be submitted by August 27, 2024. The LOI is a crucial step in the application process, as it allows the DOE to gauge interest and provide applicants with feedback on whether their proposed project aligns with the DOE’s objectives. This feedback can be invaluable, helping applicants refine their proposals to better meet the program’s goals.
Failing to submit an LOI or submitting it late will disqualify your application, underscoring the importance of adhering to this deadline. The feedback provided for non-responsive LOIs on September 16, 2024, offers applicants a chance to adjust their approach before the final application submission on October 8, 2024.
Upcoming Topics Webinars (not hosted by us at EBHC; rather the DOE.)
To assist potential applicants, the DOE is hosting a series of webinars to provide insights into the specific topics covered under this FOA. These webinars are an excellent opportunity to hear directly from DOE Topic Managers and gain a deeper understanding of what each program office is looking for in a proposal.
Webinar 1: ASCR and BES Topics (1-11)
Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 2 PM EDT
Register here
Webinar 2: BER and FES Topics (12-22)
Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 2 PM EDT
Register here
Webinar 3: HEP and NP Topics (23-33)
Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 2 PM EDT
Register here
If you can’t attend the live sessions, don’t worry – recordings will be made available on the DOE funding opportunities page.
Funding Opportunity Announcement Webinars (not hosted by us at EBHC; rather the DOE.)
In addition to the topic-specific webinars, the DOE will also hold two webinars focused on the FOA and the application process:
Webinar 1: FOA and Application Process Overview
Date: Thursday, August 8, 2024
Webinar 2: Q&A Session
Date: Friday, August 9, 2024
Invitations to these webinars will be sent out when the FOA is released. These sessions will be instrumental in understanding the intricacies of the application process and ensuring your proposal is as strong as possible.
This funding opportunity from the DOE represents a significant chance for small businesses to contribute to cutting-edge research and technological advancements. With critical deadlines and mandatory steps like the LOI submission, it is essential to stay organized and proactive in your application process. Participating in the DOE’s webinars can provide valuable guidance and enhance your proposal’s quality.
Stay tuned to the DOE’s funding opportunities page for the latest updates and resources. Let’s harness innovation to drive our energy future forward!
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