The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with its Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, has re-opened applications for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) to receive grants of up to $300,000, at 50% cost share, to implement recommendations made in Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) assessments and/or DOE Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) assessments – including what are now called “Onsite Energy TAP” assessments – and, once qualified, other assessments submitted previously for qualification as “IAC-equivalent.”

Objective

The DOE Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) Implementation Grant Program (Implementation Grant Program) provides grants funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to implement recommendations made in IAC and Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) assessments since 2018, and in recommendations made in equivalent assessments since 2021. These grants will bolster the American manufacturing base by supporting projects to improve energy and material efficiency, to increase productivity, and to reduce emissions at SMMs. DOE further intends that these grants will advance the objectives of the Justice40 initiative by improving business performance, increasing energy affordability, and creating pathways to high-quality jobs in disadvantaged communities by driving federal investment into these communities and, where possible, utilizing registered apprenticeship programs and IAC Program participants in implementation efforts. (See Workstream 1 below.)

In addition, the program will continue accepting applications from other assessment providers to qualify assessments from other parties as “IAC-equivalent.” Qualification of third-party assessors will expand availability of IAC grants for SMMs across the United States. (See Workstream 2 below.)

Effective immediately, this grant program will operate on a rolling basis: applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year as funds are available and will be reviewed quarterly.

The next review will occur for applications submitted by December 31, 2023. The subsequent review dates are March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2024. Up to $80 million in total funding is currently available, and DOE expects to make more available through FY2026. Note that elements of the solicitation (e.g., eligibility, criteria, deadlines) are subject to change with each quarterly review period – please sign up for alerts to get updates.

DOE will host virtual Office Hours to answer any questions from potential applicants before the next quarterly submission deadline on December 31, 2023. View the dates below and click the links to RSVP. The next office hours will be held on December 7, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 PM ET: Click Here to RSVP.

Workstream 1: Implementation Grants

This workstream involves collecting grant applications from SMMs to implement recommendations made in IAC, CHP TAP, or qualified equivalent assessments that meet the eligibility and prioritization criteria described below. Note: Eligible potential applicants must submit one (1) form FOR EACH FACILITY in which grant support is requested.

Workstream 1 Timeline (Estimated)

• Applications Open: October 6, 2023
• Application Deadline: Rolling (Quarterly review). Next deadline is December 31, 2023 at 5pm ET.
• Review and Selection: Quarterly, with next round of selections announced in early 2024.
• Awarding and Implementation: Selected SMMs will finalize awards with ENERGYWERX and begin implementation.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Workstream 2: Third-Party Assessor Qualification

This workstream involves collecting applications from entities interested in having their assessments qualify as "equivalent to IAC assessments" in accordance with 42 USC §17116(a)(2)(C), so that their eligible clients can apply for implementation grants.

Workstream 2 Timeline (Estimated)

• Applications Open: October 6, 2023
• Application Deadline: December 31, 2023, at 5pm ET.
• Review and Selection: Early 2024.
• Finalization: Selected assessment providers will be asked to sign a memorandum of understanding with DOE spelling out the terms of the qualification. Once the MOU is signed, eligible clients can apply for implementation grants.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY