List of Required Information for Application:
1. Project Details:
- Description of the proposed clean energy project
- Explanation of how the project will deliver measurable benefits to energy customers in rural or remote areas, such as lowering energy costs, improving energy access and resilience, and reducing environmental harm
- Identification of the specific goals the project aims to achieve
2. Regional Focus:
- Identification of the applicable region(s) for the project
- Explanation of how the project addresses regional energy challenges and opportunities
- Identification of any regional climate risks the project aims to mitigate
3. Replicability:
- Explanation of how the proposed project can be replicated in other rural or remote areas
- Description of how the project can build confidence in clean energy investments among decision makers, including financiers, utilities, and Tribal, State, and local governments
4. Community Benefits Plan:
- Submission of a Community Benefits Plan (CBP) that outlines how the project will support community and labor engagement, invest in the American workforce, contribute to the Justice40 Initiative, and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)
- Explanation of the project's impact on local economies and job creation
5. Local Resources and Participation:
- Description of how the project will utilize local staff and local resources to the maximum extent possible
- Explanation of how the project will encourage the meaningful engagement and participation of local business organizations, labor unions, underserved communities, underrepresented groups, federally recognized Tribes, and tribal and indigenous communities
6. Project Timeline and Budget:
- Proposed timeline for the project implementation, including key milestones and deliverables
- Detailed budget plan for the project, including anticipated costs and requested funding amount
7. Technical Expertise and Experience:
- Description of the applicant's technical expertise and experience related to clean energy projects
- Demonstration of the applicant's capacity to successfully develop and implement the proposed project
8. Measurable Plans:
- Explanation of how the applicant will develop and implement robust, locally tailored, and measurable plans for community-focused engagement and benefits
- Description of the applicant's capacity to develop and implement the Community Benefits Plan (CBP)
9. Application Submission:
- Confirmation of submission of Concept Papers and Full Applications through OCED Exchange at https://oced-exchange.energy.gov/
