Request for Information (RFI) related to Blue Sky Training Program for Grid Scale Energy Storage Systems
ID: 353859Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE-NETL)

Award Range

$1 - $2

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Energy

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Additional Information

https://www.fedconnect.net
Timeline
    Description

    The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) of the U.S. Department of Energy is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the development of the Blue Sky Training Program, aimed at enhancing responses to failures in Grid Scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS). This initiative seeks to educate a diverse audience, including first responders, law enforcement, local communities, and utilities, on how to effectively manage unexpected failures stemming from cyber threats, physical threats, and other operational challenges. The RFI emphasizes the DOE's commitment to improving safety and preparedness in the energy sector, and while it does not solicit funding applications, it invites interested parties to submit their responses electronically by June 3, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET. For further inquiries, contact Ashley N. Millender at 412-386-9428 or via email at ashley.millender@netl.doe.gov.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory has issued a Request for Information (RFI) DE-FOA-0003282, aiming to develop a training program named the "Blue Sky Training Program" for addressing failures in Grid Scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS). The initiative targets a wide audience, including first responders, law enforcement, local communities, and utilities, focusing on responses to unexpected failures due to cyber threats, physical threats, and other operational issues. Interested parties can access the full RFI details at FedConnect. Responses to this RFI must be emailed in PDF format by the deadline of June 3, 2024, at 5:00 pm ET, with specific formatting requirements outlined. Importantly, this RFI does not solicit funding applications but seeks information to inform future initiatives. The document emphasizes the DOE's proactive approach to enhancing safety and preparedness in managing energy storage challenges.
    Similar Opportunities
    Notice of Intent (NOI) related to "HARMONY: Human-Centric Analytics for Resilient & Modernized Power sYstems”
    National Energy Technology Laboratory
    The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) regarding the upcoming Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) No. DE-FOA-0003446, titled "HARMONY: Human-Centric Analytics for Resilient & Modernized Power Systems." This initiative aims to enhance grid reliability and resilience by developing analytics that prioritize human considerations in the operation and management of modern power systems. The DOE emphasizes the importance of quantifying and communicating risks and uncertainties to decision-makers, which is crucial for preventing and mitigating cascading failures in power grids. Interested parties can find more information and access the full NOI text through FedConnect, and should note that applications will not be accepted for this NOI. For inquiries, contact Todd C. Zandier II at 412-386-9204 or via email at Todd.Zandier@netl.doe.gov. The funding opportunity has an award ceiling of $2 million and a floor of $1 million, with a close date set for December 31, 2025.
    RFI - DOE R
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking input through a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at informing the Competitive Research and Development Funding Opportunity Announcement, specifically targeting universities and other stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector. The RFI invites ideas, comments, and recommendations on potential research areas and funding opportunities to advance nuclear energy science and technology, with a focus on enhancing the operation of existing reactors and deploying advanced technologies. This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative research in the nuclear energy field, while explicitly excluding topics such as medical physics and nuclear fusion. Interested parties, including small businesses, are encouraged to submit their responses electronically via NEUP.gov, with a limit of three pages, and should note that submitting interest does not guarantee an award. For further inquiries, contact Andrew Ford, DOE Contract Specialist, at fordaj@id.doe.gov. The RFI remains open for submissions, with specific deadlines detailed in the attached document.
    RFI - DOE Infrastructure Work Scope Development
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking input through a Request for Information (RFI) regarding infrastructure needs related to nuclear energy. The objective of this RFI is to gather insights, comments, and recommendations from stakeholders, including small businesses and educational institutions, to enhance nuclear research capabilities and identify critical research technologies and educational equipment priorities. This initiative reflects the DOE's commitment to advancing nuclear energy infrastructure while engaging the research community, with no immediate funding or contractual obligations associated with the responses. Interested parties can submit their feedback via NEUP.gov, and for further inquiries, they may contact Andrew Ford, the DOE Contract Specialist, at fordaj@id.doe.gov.
    Improving Efficiency, Reliability, and Flexibility of Coal-Based Power Plants
    National Energy Technology Laboratory
    The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is inviting applications for a federal grant titled "Improving Efficiency, Reliability, and Flexibility of Coal-Based Power Plants." This opportunity aims to fund projects that design, implement, test, and validate innovative refurbishment and retrofit strategies for existing coal power plants, thereby enhancing their operational stability and supporting national energy security. The initiative is crucial for advancing technologies that improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance of coal and natural gas systems. Interested applicants should note that the estimated total program funding is $100 million, with individual awards ranging from $1 to $48 million, and the application deadline is January 7, 2026. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Justin Duncan at DE-FOA-0003606@netl.doe.gov.
    Rare Earth Elements Demonstration Facility
    National Energy Technology Laboratory
    The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is inviting applications for the Rare Earth Elements (REE) Demonstration Facility project through a cooperative agreement. This initiative aims to design, construct, commission, and operate a facility that will demonstrate the separation of rare earth elements from feedstock derived from acid mine drainage, mine waste, or other deleterious materials, ultimately refining them into rare earth metals at a single site. The project is significant for advancing energy supply chains and enhancing the domestic production of critical materials. The total estimated funding for this program is $134 million, with individual awards ranging from $67 million to $134 million, and applications are due by January 5, 2026. Interested applicants can reach out to Alissa Temperine at DE-FOA-0003587@netl.doe.gov for further information.
    NIEHS Worker Training Program’s SBIR E-Learning for HAZMAT and Emergency Response (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a funding opportunity through the NIEHS Worker Training Program for small businesses to develop Technology-Enhanced Training Products aimed at improving health and safety training for hazardous materials (HAZMAT) workers and emergency responders. This initiative seeks applications for the SBIR E-Learning for HAZMAT and Emergency Response (R43/R44), focusing on innovative training solutions such as online courses, augmented reality, and serious gaming to enhance the training experience. The program is crucial for equipping workers with the necessary skills to protect themselves and their communities from hazardous materials exposure, with an estimated total funding of $688,000 available for approximately six awards. Interested applicants can reach out to Sharon D. Beard at NIEHS via email at beard1@niehs.nih.gov or by phone at 984-287-3237, with applications due by November 20, 2025, and anticipated awards announced by June 1, 2026.
    NIEHS Worker Training Program’s HAZMAT Training at DOE Nuclear Weapons Complex (UH4 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a funding opportunity through the NIEHS Worker Training Program for HAZMAT training at the Department of Energy's Nuclear Weapons Complex. This initiative aims to provide training and education to workers involved in hazardous waste management and emergency response, focusing on preventing work-related harm and promoting health and safety in the workforce. The program is funded under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and is expected to allocate approximately $3 million across two awards. Interested applicants, specifically private institutions of higher education, should note that the application period opens with a synopsis expected on September 24, 2025, and closes on November 25, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Sharon D. Beard at 984-287-3237 or via email at beard1@niehs.nih.gov.
    National Defense Education Program (NDEP) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Consortia Request for Information (RFI) for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Research & Engineering)
    Department of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) focused on enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education through consortia partnerships. The RFI aims to gather insights on two primary objectives: facilitating the transition of students from 2-year Community College STEM programs to 4-year institutions and preparing a diverse workforce via technical training and certificate programs. This initiative is crucial for maintaining a robust pipeline of STEM talent within the DoD, aligning with educational objectives outlined in 10 USC §2192 and the Federal STEM Strategy. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses by September 10, 2021, to osd.dodstem@mail.mil, with a maximum of six pages allowed for submissions.
    Request For Information - Slip-On Tankers
    Interior Business Ceter
    The Interior Business Center of the Department of the Interior is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the acquisition of slip-on tankers to enhance wildland firefighting capabilities for local governments and Tribal Nations. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance for the procurement of slip-on tanker units, which can be quickly converted into fire engines, thereby improving emergency response readiness in areas with populations of 25,000 or less. The program is particularly focused on supporting small volunteer fire departments and does not require matching funds, allowing for flexibility in the application process. Interested entities must submit their responses by October 9, 2023, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time, and can direct inquiries to Chelsea M. Whitten at chelseawhitten@ibc.doi.gov or by phone at 571-513-4053.
    Fiscal Year 2026 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research
    Idaho Field Office
    The Idaho Field Office of the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a federal grant opportunity titled "Fiscal Year 2026 Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research." This grant aims to advance nuclear energy science and technology, supporting research and development initiatives that address challenges in the nuclear energy sector, enhance university-led nuclear innovation, and train the next generation of nuclear professionals. With an estimated total program funding of $5 million and an award ceiling of $1.5 million, the program anticipates making approximately 15 awards to eligible private institutions of higher education. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by April 9, 2026, and can reach out to Jacob Lingard at 208-526-5820 or via email at lingarjn@id.doe.gov for further assistance.