Energy

This FOA builds on efforts by the DOE Office of Indian Energy and the authorities granted to the DOE Office of Indian Energy under EPAct 2005, to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technology on Tribal Lands. In addition to the $75 million committed to tribal energy projects selected in 2023, between 2010 and 2022, the DOE Office of Indian Energy invested over $120 million in more than 210 tribal energy projects implemented across the contiguous 48 states and Alaska. These projects, valued at more than $215 million, are leveraged by over $93 million in Recipient cost share. See the DOE’s Office of Indian Energy website for a map and summaries of these competitively funded projects.

Through this FOA, the DOE Office of Indian Energy will continue its efforts to advance Tribal
energy sovereignty and maximize the deployment of clean, reliable, affordable and local energy solutions. In support of these objectives, the DOE Office of Indian Energy intends to provide financial support to Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) to plan the transition of their campuses to clean energy.

Through grants, the DOE Office of Indian Energy intends to provide financial support under the provisions of the Title V of EPAct 2005.

The level of commitment and capabilities of the Applicant and project participants to
accomplish the proposed project will be major factors in selecting applications for funding.

The application must also demonstrate the organizational and technical readiness and Applicant commitment to the proposed project. In addition to specific technical evaluation criteria to be identified in the planned FOA, the Selection Official may also have the ability to consider the following program policy factors in making selections under the FOA: geographic distribution; the optimum use of available DOE funding to achieve programmatic objectives; whether the tribal community has high energy costs; whether the tribal community is not connected to the traditional centralized electrical power grid; and/or Applicants who have not previously received a grant from the Office of Indian Energy.

Within scope and budget, the DOE Office of Indian Energy may, upon request, provide technical assistance to eligible Applicants who apply under this FOA and whose applications are comprehensively reviewed, but not selected for negotiation.

Rural and remote areas often have higher energy costs and burden, less resilient energy systems, and fewer alternatives for accessing clean energy compared with their urban counterparts. Furthermore, small communities do not always have the available time, money, or other resources to pursue clean energy options. This program serves communities of 10,000 people or fewer. Applicants must propose projects that support at least one of these eligible activities:
A. Improving overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems;
B. Siting or upgrading transmission and distribution lines;
C. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation in rural or remote areas;
D. Providing or modernizing electric generation facilities;
E. Developing microgrids; and
F. Increasing energy efficiency. Applications may include any technology that meets these eligible activities, as long as those technologies are commercially available.

Applicants must choose one of the four topic areas for their project’s application.

For further information, please see the Full Funding Opportunity Announcement at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/.

All application materials must be submitted through the OCED Funding Opportunity Exchange.

This FOA builds on efforts by the DOE Office of Indian Energy and the authorities granted to the DOE Office of Indian Energy under EPAct 2005, to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technology on Tribal Lands. In addition to the $75 million committed to tribal energy projects selected in 2023, between 2010 and 2022, the DOE Office of Indian Energy invested over $120 million in more than 210 tribal energy projects implemented across the contiguous 48 states and Alaska. These projects, valued at more than $215 million, are leveraged by over $93 million in Recipient cost share. See the DOE’s Office of Indian Energy website for a map and summaries of these competitively funded projects.

Through this FOA, the DOE Office of Indian Energy will continue its efforts to advance Tribal
energy sovereignty and maximize the deployment of clean, reliable, affordable and local energy solutions.

The FOA is soliciting applications for:
1) Tribal Clean Energy Planning (Topic Area 1); or,
2) Comprehensive Clean Energy Feasibility and Viability Assessment (Topic Area 2); or,
3) Design and Development of Clean Energy Projects (Topic Area 3).

Projects selected under Topic Area 1 (Tribal Clean Energy Planning) are intended to result in
specific outcomes (measurable results or end-products) which may include, but are not limited to: a strategic energy plan, energy options analysis; energy audits; climate resiliency plan; development of an energy organization or office; establishment of energy policy, regulations or codes; and skills development and training. Funds under this Topic Area may be used for internal personnel costs (e.g., energy and infrastructure management roles) and for community outreach. See Section I.B.1 for more information.

Projects selected under Topic Area 2 (Comprehensive Clean Energy Feasibility and Viability
Assessment) are intended to result in a comprehensive project plan sufficient to move a project to the design and development phase of a clean energy project on Tribal Buildings or Tribal Land (see Topic Area 3). It is anticipated that the proposed comprehensive feasibility and viability assessment, as a minimum, is based on a completed energy options analysis (see Topic Area 1). See Section I.B.2. for more information.

Projects selected under Topic Area 3 (Design and Development of Clean Energy Projects) are intended to result in projects ready for deployment (final design, installation, commissioning and monitoring) of clean energy technology on Tribal Buildings or Tribal Lands. It is intended that the proposed development activities are the result of a comprehensive feasibility and viability assessment (see Topic Area 2). See Section I.B.3 for more information.

Helping deploy the next generation of community clean energy projects
Rural, tribal, and low-income communities are most in need of climate solutions that deliver energy independence and resiliency, lower costs, reduce pollution, and improve public health. Thanks to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, we have an unprecedented opportunity to unlock access to capital for clean energy projects in underserved communities; but many of them need pre-development funds, support, and technical assistance to access project capital.

That’s why we’re launching Climate United NEXT, a pre-development grant program to help nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, Indian tribes, and Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) accelerate early-stage clean energy projects through planning to project financing. Through grant funding for planning, technical assistance, and community engagement, communities will identify solutions that meet their unique needs and lay the groundwork for projects including solar, green buildings, and electric transportation.

Program Goals
Help communities successfully deploy projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution, and lower energy costs.

Increase the capacity of community-based organizations so that they can access federal and state financial assistance and other forms of capital for climate projects.

Build demand and help transform the market for community-benefitting zero emission technologies in LIDACs across the country.

Provide equitable access to clean technologies for underserved communities and geographies, such as rural and Native communities.

Climate United has ambitious goals of ensuring that 60% of its financial assistance is deployed in what the EPA has defined as Low Income and Disadvantaged Communities, 20% in rural communities, and 10% in Native communities. Climate United NEXT will provide pre-development grant funding to all of these communities in the coming months and years.

Eligible Uses of Funding
Feasibility & environmental impact studies

Project planning

Technical assistance for funding opportunities

Community engagement

Related pre-development activities

Process
Pre-development grants of up to $300,000 will be awarded over the course of multiple application rounds. The first round of Climate United NEXT grants will support clean energy projects in Native communities and will be open to non-profit organizations, state and local government entities, Indian tribes, and Institutions of Higher Education (IHE).

The deadline to apply for the first round of Climate United NEXT grants is January 10, 2025, with awards announcements planned for late February. Join us on December 6th at 2pm ET for an informational webinar about the first round of applications.

Climate United will solicit applications for funding in each cycle by sector. We are starting this Fall with projects focused on benefiting Native communities. In 2025, we will have additional rounds focused on other underserved market segments. We intend to provide up to $30M in grant funding over the next five years to equip small- and mid-sized organizations to unlock public and private capital for climate projects.

What does this program do?
The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Who may apply for this program?
Agricultural producers
An entity directly engaged in production of agricultural products where at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.
Small businesses
Must be located in eligible rural areas and one of the following:
Private for-profit entity (sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation)
A Cooperative [including those qualified under Section 501(c)(12) of IRS Code]
An electric utility (including a Tribal or governmental electric utility) that provides service to rural consumers and operates independent of direct government control)
A Tribal corporation or other Tribal business entities that are chartered under Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act (25 USC 477) or have similar structures and relationships with their Tribal entity without regard to the resources of the Tribal government.
Must meet the Small Business Administration size standards in accordance with 13 CFR 121.
NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have NO outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment or debarment.

Who may qualify for loan guarantees?
Eligible borrowers are:

Rural small businesses.
Agricultural producers.
What are the borrowing restrictions for loan guarantees?
Individual borrowers must be citizens of the United States or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent residence.
Private-entity borrowers must demonstrate that loan funds will remain in the U.S.
What is an eligible area?
Projects must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less*.
Check eligible rural areas
Agricultural producers may submit projects to be located in non-rural areas as long as the project is associated with an on-site production operation.

How may the funds be used?
Funds may be used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems, such as:

Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).
Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.
Hydropower below 30 megawatts.
Hydrogen.
Small and large wind generation.
Small and large solar generation.
Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation.
Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:

High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
Insulation.
Lighting.
Cooling or refrigeration units.
Doors and windows.
Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.
Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.
Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.
Energy Efficiency Improvement applications must contain an Energy Audit, or Energy Assessment (depending on Total Project Costs) that complies with Appendix A to RD Instructions 4280-B

Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.

What funding is available?
Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.
Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs.
Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.
What is the maximum amount of a loan guarantee?
The loan guarantee percentage is published annually in a Federal Register notice. REAP loans approved in Fiscal Year 2024 will receive an 80 percent guarantee. REAP loans approved in Fiscal Year 2025 will receive an 80 percent guarantee.

​What are the loan guarantee terms?
The lender, with Agency concurrence, will establish and justify the guaranteed loan term based on the use of guaranteed loan funds, the useful economic life of the assets being financed and those used as collateral, and the borrower’s repayment ability. The loan term will not exceed 40 years.

What are the interest rates for the loan guarantee?
Interest rates are negotiated between the lender and borrower.
Rates may be fixed or variable.
Variable interest rates may not be adjusted more often than quarterly.
What are the applicable fees for the loan guarantee?
There is an initial guarantee fee, currently 1 percent of the guaranteed amount.
There is a guarantee retention fee, currently 0.25 percent of the outstanding principal balance, paid annually.
Reasonable and customary fees for loan origination are negotiated between the borrower and lender.
What are the underwriting requirements for the loan guarantee?
The lender will conduct a credit evaluation using credit documentation procedures and underwriting processes that are consistent with generally accepted prudent lending practices and also consistent with the lender’s own policies, procedures and lending practices.
The lender’s evaluation must address any financial or other credit weaknesses of the borrower and project and discuss risk mitigation requirements.
The lender must analyze all credit factors to determine that the credit factors and guaranteed loan terms and conditions ensure guaranteed loan repayment.
Credit factors to be analyzed include but are not limited to character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions.
What are the grant terms?
Renewable Energy System Grants:

$2,500 minimum.
$1 million maximum.
Energy Efficiency Grants:

$1,500 minimum.
$500,000 maximum.

Are there additional requirements?
Applicants must provide matching funds if applying for a grant only.
50% Federal grant share limited to projects that meet one of the following:
Project is a Renewable Energy System (RES), or RES retrofit that produces zero greenhouse gas emissions (Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide, or Fluorinated Gases) at the project level.
Project is located in an Energy Community as defined in 26 USC 45(b)(11)(B) and determined by the Department of the Treasury.
Project is an Energy Efficiency Improvement (EEI).
Is a project proposed from an eligible Tribal Corporation or other Tribal Business entity (including agriculture operations) as described in 7 CFR part 4280.
All other projects are limited to 25% Federal grant share
Applicants must provide at least 25 percent of the project cost if applying for loan.
All projects must have technical merit and utilize commercially available technology.
Energy efficiency projects require an energy audit or assessment.
All projects require an environmental review prior to award or construction
How do we get started? Applications for this program are accepted year-round at your local office.

What does this program do?
The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Who may apply for this program?
Agricultural producers
An entity directly engaged in production of agricultural products where at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.
Small businesses
Must be located in eligible rural areas and one of the following:
Private for-profit entity (sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation)
A Cooperative [including those qualified under Section 501(c)(12) of IRS Code]
An electric utility (including a Tribal or governmental electric utility) that provides service to rural consumers and operates independent of direct government control)
A Tribal corporation or other Tribal business entities that are chartered under Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act (25 USC 477) or have similar structures and relationships with their Tribal entity without regard to the resources of the Tribal government.
Must meet the Small Business Administration size standards in accordance with 13 CFR 121.
NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have NO outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment or debarment.

Who may qualify for loan guarantees?
Eligible borrowers are:

Rural small businesses.
Agricultural producers.
What are the borrowing restrictions for loan guarantees?
Individual borrowers must be citizens of the United States or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent residence.
Private-entity borrowers must demonstrate that loan funds will remain in the U.S.
What is an eligible area?
Projects must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less*.
Check eligible rural areas
Agricultural producers may submit projects to be located in non-rural areas as long as the project is associated with an on-site production operation.

How may the funds be used?
Funds may be used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems, such as:

Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).
Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.
Hydropower below 30 megawatts.
Hydrogen.
Small and large wind generation.
Small and large solar generation.
Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation.
Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:

High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
Insulation.
Lighting.
Cooling or refrigeration units.
Doors and windows.
Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.
Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.
Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.
Energy Efficiency Improvement applications must contain an Energy Audit, or Energy Assessment (depending on Total Project Costs) that complies with Appendix A to RD Instructions 4280-B

Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.

What funding is available?
Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.
Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs.
Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

For this funding opportunity, AmeriCorps will prioritize consideration from organizations that:
Serve Communities:
• Serve communities with concentrated poverty, rural communities, tribal communities, and historically underrepresented and underserved individuals. These may include people of color, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with arrest or conviction records, religious minorities, etc.;
• Implement programs for or expand access to high-quality youth mental health and substance use recovery services and prepare AmeriCorps members to enter behavioral health careers. These may include individuals with lived experience with substance use and mental health challenges to support youth mental health efforts and continued AmeriCorps work on the opioid epidemic;
• Focus on improving the quality of life for veterans, active-duty members of the Armed Forces, and their families by recruiting veterans, military spouses, and their older children into national service;
• Promote environmental stewardship to help communities (especially underserved households and communities) to be more resilient by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving land and water, increasing renewable energy use and improving at-risk ecosystems;
• Support civic bridgebuilding programs and projects to reduce polarization and community divisions; and providing training in civic bridgebuilding skills and techniques to AmeriCorps members;
Benefit AmeriCorps Members:
• Provide benefits to AmeriCorps members aimed at enhancing member experience and bolstering member recruitment and retention such as paying more than the minimum living allowance, transportation, housing, food, etc.; Create workforce pathways for AmeriCorps members, including deliberate training, certifications, and hiring preferences or support;
• Enhance and expand services to second chance youth and/or engage those youth as AmeriCorps members;
• Develop and train the next generation of diverse public health leaders through service while addressing pressing community health challenges. Review Public Health AmeriCorps Priority in the Mandatory Supplemental Information for eligibility information;
Use Evidence
• Utilize reports from the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange on programs assessed as having Moderate or Strong evidence to scale, replicate, or adapt the intervention;
Faith-Based
• Organizations that are faith-based; and
American Climate Corps
• Please note that applicants may propose projects to be affiliated with the American Climate Corps (ACC), which is a federal government national service and workforce development initiative focused on training young people for the clean energy and climate resilience workforce. Applicants who are interested must demonstrate that their project funds ACC eligible positions meeting the following criteria:
o The position has verifiable climate or environmental impact.
o The position is temporary (term-limited), and the term length is at least 300 hours.
o The position includes skills-based training as part of the program and provides a pathway to employment.
o The position must receive a living allowance and, in some cases, may receive additional member benefits.

Applicants submitting a workforce development project to qualify for affiliation with the ACC should note that in their application. Successful applicants will be notified if they are part of the ACC and may be subject to additional reporting requirements.

To receive priority consideration, applicants must show the priority area is a significant part of the program focus and intended outcomes. Priority consideration does not guarantee funding.

Overview of the Arizona Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program
The purpose of the Arizona EECBG Program is to assist eligible local governments in creating and implementing strategies to:
● Reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainable and, to
the maximum extent practicable, maximizes benefits for local and regional communities;
● Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities;
● Improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, the building sector, and other appropriate sectors; and
● Build a clean and equitable energy economy that prioritizes disadvantaged
communities and promotes equity and inclusion in workforce opportunities and
deployment activities, consistent with the Justice40 Initiative.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021—also known as the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law (BIL)—section 40552 provided funding for the Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The CFDA number assigned to the EECBG Program is 81.128. The Arizona Governor’s Office of Resiliency (OOR), which is the State Energy Office (SEO), received a formula allocation under the EECBG from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Consistent with USDOE requirements, at least sixty percent (60%) of the State’s formula allocation must be distributed to local governments that are ineligible for direct EECBG formula funding. The OOR is making funding available for specific categories of EECBG-allowable projects, as described in this Request for Grant Applications (RFGA).

Applicants should be aware that the funding made available through the EECBG program is subject to various federal requirements, including but not limited to, the Build America Buy America Act, the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts labor standards, and the National Environmental Protection Act:

● Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act: The BABA Requirement applies to articles,
materials, and supplies that are consumed in, incorporated into, or permanently affixed to
an EECBG-funded infrastructure project. Specifically, all iron and steel, all manufactured
products, and all construction materials used in the project must be produced in the
United States.1

● Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA): All projects funded, in whole or in part, by the
BIL that involve construction, alteration, or repair are required to follow Davis-Bacon
Act labor standards and comply with reporting requirements. Applications selected for
funding for construction, alteration, or repair projects are required to pay laborers and
mechanics the published prevailing wage, set by the U.S. Department of Labor through
wage determinations, on a weekly basis. Additionally, awarded subrecipients will be
required to maintain accurate records of hours worked and wages paid, and submit
certified payroll on a weekly basis in addition to other reporting to help ensure
compliance.2

● National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA): Compliance with the National
Environmental Protection Act is required to receive EECBG Program funds. For those
projects requiring NEPA review, the OOR will provide additional guidance for grantees
after the award process. Applicants should await further direction before obtaining
official NEPA review and approval.

Proposed local government activities to be supported by EECBG funding shall outline, in their proposal, the means by which subgrantees shall meet Justice40 requirements. Meeting Justice40 requirements shall be included in reporting submitted by subgrantees.

As the prime award for this funding was granted prior to October 1, 2024, these funds are not subject to the updated OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance. These funds should be managed under Part 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200); Office of Management and Budget (OMB) at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc….

Eligible Activity Areas
Proposals may span a wide variety of technology areas including electric transportation,
renewable energy, and building efficiency and/or electrification. Applicants shall propose
programs and projects that align with one or more of the following eligible activity areas and
that will occur within the jurisdiction of the applying eligible entity:
1. Development and implementation of an energy efficiency and conservation strategy. The
activity must be for the development, in support of the development, or in support of the
implementation of a general strategy that outlines goals for energy efficiency or
conservation.
2. Retaining technical consultant services to assist the eligible entity in the development and
implementation of an energy efficiency and conservation strategy, including developing
methods to measure progress in achieving the goals identified in the strategy, and
developing and publishing annual reports, such as dissemination of energy plans and
progress updates.
3. Conducting residential and commercial building energy audits and/or energy usage
assessments, within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity.
4. The performance of energy efficiency retrofits. The retrofit may be of equipment (e.g., an
HVAC system and associated controls, appliances, or lighting) or a building. The retrofit
must result in energy savings (e.g., kwh/BTUs) or improved energy efficiency; must not be
for new construction or non-replacement equipment; and must occur within the jurisdiction
of the eligible entity.
5. Development and implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programs for
buildings and facilities within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity.
6. Development and implementation of programs to conserve energy used in transportation.
7. Development and implementation of building codes and inspection services to promote
building energy efficiency. The activity must be for the development, adoption and/or
implementation of building codes (including supporting the adoption and implementation
of model building energy codes or stretch codes), inspection services or
training/workshops to promote building energy efficiency.
8. Purchase and implementation of technologies to reduce, capture, and, to the maximum
extent practicable, use methane and other greenhouse gasses generated by landfills or
similar sources.
9. Replacement of traffic signals, street lighting, or street signs with energy efficient lighting
technologies. Generally, only the cost of the replacement lamp is eligible unless
replacement/upgrade of supporting structure (e.g., posts) is necessary to support the
replacement of the lamps. Regular maintenance is an ineligible cost.
10. Development, implementation, and installation on or in any government building of the
eligible entity of onsite renewable energy technology that generates electricity from
renewable resources, including solar energy, wind energy, fuel cells; and biomass.

The Ocean Energy Safety Institute (OESI) is a consortium of industry, national labs, non-governmental organizations, and academia created to develop the technology and workforce needed for increased energy production that is safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective.

The OESI consortium's goal is to frame research opportunities, solicit research proposals, select and award high-value project proposals, and execute projects that produce a positive impact on offshore energy safety through increased understanding, technology development and workforce development. Furthermore, the OESI has the following objectives:

●Develop knowledge, technologies, and training that increase the nation’s ability to produce energy from oceanic resources safely and sustainably
●Increase U.S. energy security, support jobs, and increase economic activity through responsible and sustainable ocean energy development
●Engage the very best technologists, managers, facilities, and standard and policy developers efficiently and collaboratively

The OESI issues the RFP based on its Roadmap and Annual Plan,as shown in Figure 2, to drive impactful outcomes in ocean energy safety. This RFP details specific requirements and research activities necessary to meet the institute’s goals, aligning with the strategic objectives outlined for the year.By defining the issue statement, desired outcomes, and evaluation criteria, OESI ensures that the research efforts are focused and effective in addressing the identified safety challenges. The ultimate aim is to foster advancements that enhance safety protocols, improve technologies, and provide new insights into risk management, thereby contributing to a safer and more sustainable ocean energy.This comprehensive RFP opens funding for featuring pathways across all three application areas: Oil and Gas, Wind Energy, and Marine Energy as identified in the Annual Plan 2024.