Inventions and Innovations
Examples of funded projects may be accessed at http://www.eere.energy.gov/inventions under the I&I Funded Projects section.
The Department of Energy's goal is to advance national, economic and energy security in the U.S.; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that goal; and to ensure environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex.
Program Accomplishments
Since the start of the Inventions and Innovation Program in 1977 more than five hundred inventions have received financial support from DOE, with nearly 25 percent reaching the marketplace.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The assistance provides financial assistance for research and development of innovative, energy-saving ideas and invention.
Inventions and Innovations support energy efficiency and renewable energy technology development in focus areas that align with the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs.
Further Program information can be found at http://www.eere.energy.gov/inventions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Individuals that are U.S.
citizens, either native-born or naturalized, small businesses that are U.S.
owned as defined in 10 CFR 600.501.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individual inventors and small businesses will benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
This Program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This Program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No.
A-102 and E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Only proposals prepared in response to the requirements contained in the annual competitive solicitation will be accepted. The application forms must be downloaded from the specific funding opportunity announcement posted on the grants.gov website at http://www.grants.gov/.
Award Procedures
Awards range from $50,000 in the early-stage of development to $250,000 for technologies approaching the point of prototype. Proposals will be reviewed, evaluated, and selected for grant awards by a panel of knowledgeable program and technical personnel. In addition to financial assistance, this Program offers technical guidance and commercialization support to successful applicants.
Deadlines
Deadlines are identified in the solicitation.
Authorization
Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, Section 14, Public Law 93-577, 88 Stat. 1894, 42 U.S.C. 5913; Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977, as amended, Public Law 95-91, 42 U.S.C. 7101.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 90 to 120 days.
Appeals
Unsuccessful applicants are entitled to a debriefing by DOE program officials with a clear explanation of why the proposal was not accepted for funding.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Cost-sharing is not required, but highly encouraged. Level of cost-share is one of the programmatic selection considerations used by the selection official.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Award project periods range from 1 to 2 years.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly project and financial status reports are required.
A final report is required at the end of the contract period.
A 10-year tracking and follow-up reporting mechanism may be required.
Audits
DOE may perform closing audits.
Records
Access to process implementation and efficiency data must be available for 10 years after project completion to measure performance against expectation and to support commercialization of the technology.
Financial Information
Account Identification
89-0203-0-1-270.
Obigations
FY 07 $2,753,990; FY 08 est $144,893; and FY 09 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Awards range from $50,000 to $250,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Regulations: DOE Financial Assistance Regulations 10 CFR 600. Guidelines and Literature: at http://www.eere.energy.gov/inventions.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, EE-2K, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: (877) 337-3463.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Uniqueness, technical feasibility, marketability, energy relationship (including energy savings).
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
The Social Innovators of 2014
For 2014, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has recognized 37 individuals for their outstanding work in the field of social enterprise.
