WETO Offshore Wind 2023 Centers of Excellence FOA

Background
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is issuing, on behalf of the Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO), this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled 'WETO Offshore Wind 2023 Centers of Excellence FOA'. The university-led Centers of Excellence funded through this opportunity are intended to accelerate and maximize the effectiveness, reliability, and sustainability of U.S. offshore wind deployment and operation through partnership with industry participants, including wind project developers and technology manufacturers; other institutions of higher education; other research institutions, such as national laboratories; non-governmental organizations; tribes; and state and local-level governments.

Grant Details
The FOA aims to fund university-led Offshore Wind Centers of Excellence to address critical technology and deployment needs of offshore wind in the United States. The FOA outlines specific topic areas for funding, including the establishment of Centers of Excellence focused on offshore wind energy engineering, infrastructure, supply chain, transmission, and other pertinent issues required to support offshore wind in the U.S. The FOA emphasizes the importance of advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in projects funded under this opportunity. It also requires applicants to include a Community Benefits Plan that addresses advancing DEIA, contributing to energy equity, and investing in America’s workforce.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include domestic entities and foreign entities that meet specific cost sharing requirements. Applicants must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting an application. The FOA specifies limitations on the number of concept papers and full applications eligible for review.

Period of Performance
EERE anticipates making awards that will run from 40 months up to 60 months in length, comprised of two budget periods. Project continuation will be contingent upon satisfactory performance and Go/No-Go decision.

Grant Value
$4.75 million of federal funding is available for new awards under this FOA. EERE anticipates making approximately 1-2 awards with individual awards varying between $2.875 million and $4.75 million.

Place of Performance
All work under EERE funding agreements must be performed in the United States.