The activities under this FOA will support the establishment by MESC of IACs at trade schools, community colleges, and union training programs pursuant to Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) section 457(f), as added by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) section 40521(b), and the establishment by SCEP of BTACs pursuant to BIL section 40512. DOE intends that the investments made under this FOA will support the broader government-wide approach to strengthening domestic manufacturing, putting the United States on a path to achieve net-zero emissions economy-wide by no later than 2050, empowering workers, fostering safe, healthy, and inclusive workplaces and communities, and developing a diverse workforce well-qualified to build and maintain the country’s energy infrastructure and grow domestic clean energy manufacturing.

The BIL appropriates $550 million for the five (5) year period encompassing Fiscal Years (FYs) 2022 through 2026 for the IAC Program. Of these funds, $150 million are appropriated to expand the IAC Program itself, including through (i) the establishment of up to five regional Centers of Excellence at existing IACs, (ii) the creation of a Clearinghouse of expertise, tools, and resources to support IACs and assist SMMs, (iii) increased coordination with and outreach to governmental and non-governmental entities, (iv) establishment of IACs at community colleges, trade schools, and union training programs, and (v) federal support for related internship and apprenticeship programs. The BIL also appropriates $400 million over FYs 2022 through 2026 for the establishment of a grant program to provide 50 percent cost-share grants of no more than $300,000 each to SMMs to implement recommendations made by IACs, Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Programs (CHP TAPS) in conjunction with IACs, and other assessments deemed equivalent by the Secretary of Energy.

Through this BIL expansion, DOE intends that the IAC Program will serve as a national network to strengthen the nation’s competitive advantage by supporting workforce development along clean energy pathways while concurrently bolstering the nation’s small- and medium-manufacturing base by distributing and deploying best practices for reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency and productivity.