Grants for Small Businesses

DOE is seeking input from universities, national laboratories, industry, and international entities regarding future work scopes for its major NE-funded research programs. This input includes research ideas, information, comments, feedback, and recommendations. All responses should be submitted via NEUP.gov as per the attached instructions. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, private and public institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses. The grant aims to gather comprehensive input to guide the Office of Nuclear Energy's competitive research and development efforts.

This program provides funding to expand high-speed internet access in underserved areas of Pennsylvania, targeting households and businesses lacking adequate broadband service.

Background The mission of the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) is to minimize the environmental impacts of fossil fuels while working towards net-zero emissions. FECMs programs use research, development, demonstration, and deployment approaches to advance technologies to reduce carbon emissions and other environmental impacts of fossil fuel production and use, particularly the hardest-to-decarbonize applications in the electricity and industrial sectors. Priority areas of technology work include point-source carbon capture, hydrogen with carbon management, methane emissions reduction, critical mineral production, and carbon dioxide removal to address the accumulated CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. FECM recognizes that global decarbonization through carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is essential to meeting climate goals and works to engage with international colleagues to leverage expertise in these areas. FECM is also committed to improving the conditions of communities impacted by the legacy of fossil fuel use and to supporting a healthy economic transition that accelerates the growth of good-paying jobs. The Office of Carbon Managements mission is to facilitate a just and environmentally sustainable transition toward a net-zero carbon economy. This mission focuses on the capture, storage, and containment of carbon dioxide. We address emissions associated with the power and industrial sectors, as well as legacy emissions in the atmosphere, and we seek to permanently store and/or convert carbon dioxide (CO2) to reduce negative climate impacts. Our actions center on investments in technological readiness and analysis. Our department researches a portfolio of carbon management approaches, with an emphasis on facilitating development of approaches that meet our technical, justice, and sustainability requirements for commercialization. Our goals are to improve their performance, reduce costs, and scale the deployment of the technologies to decarbonize the power and industrial sectors and to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The Office of Carbon Management comprises two major offices: The Office of Carbon Management Technologies leads and invests in research, development, demonstration, and deployment across five divisions: Hydrogen with Carbon Management, Carbon Transport and Storage, Carbon Dioxide Removal, Carbon Conversion, and Point Source Carbon Capture. The Office of Policy, Analysis and Engagement leads in strategic activities and international and intra-governmental coordination across three divisions: Policy and Analysis, Engagement, and Federal Partnerships. FECMs Office of Resource Sustainability (ORS) administers the Departments technological development and approaches for reducing the environmental impacts of our historical and continued use of fossil fuels. Reducing the environmental impacts of fossil fuel infrastructure and reducing emissions throughout the supply chain is critical to achieving net-zero emissions. ORS supports a just transition to clean energy while minimizing the environmental impacts in sectors where fossil fuels are difficult to avoid. These goals are accomplished through policy, research, innovation, outreach, and stewardship. ORSs Office of Research Development advances technologies and solutions to reduce the environmental impacts and emissions associated with fossil energy development, use, transportation, and storage. Its Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement regulates the import and export of natural gas, conducts analysis of fossil fuel and carbon markets, assesses policy and regulatory proposals, leads outreach for domestic and international engagements, and addresses environmental and energy justice impacts for communities most impacted by fossil fuel development and use. DOE will not accept questions at this time regarding issuance of the FOA. Details on how to submit questions and comments will be provided in the FOA, if issued. Technical Overview and Objectives Program Area 1: Carbon Management Technologies The U.S. energy portfolio and U.S. economy depend heavily on fossil fuels and other sources of GHG emissions today, spanning sectors like power generation, industry, heat and transportation fuels. Advancing clean energy, carbon capture with durable storage in both the power and industrial sectors and CDR are imperative for achieving net-zero GHG goals. FECM envisions enabling the demonstration and ultimately deployment of technologies for carbon management and mitigating challenges of fossil fuel use in a just and sustainable way, with the goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by mid-century. As previously stated, one of the key missions of the Office of Fossil Energy is to, minimize the environmental impacts of fossil fuels while working towards net-zero emissions. To accomplish this mission, it is imperative that FECM provide outreach and education to many stakeholders, including the general public in order to allow them to make educated choices about energy. Towards this end, FECM seeks to partner with organizations with similar goals to help improve understanding and develop cooperative action on CDRs by reaching out to additional international and national organizations to conduct a series of co-related tasks that mutually serve the mission of the public as well as FECM. These Areas of Interest are described below: Areas of Interest Area 1: Carbon Management Technology Consultation, Analysis and Cooperation Engage recognized experts in Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to provide advice and assistance to decision makers, stakeholders, state and local government officials, non-profit organizations, universities, non-governmental organizations, and the public as appropriate. These consultations could involve face-to-face meetings and discussions with the selected experts. Conduct analyses and prepare studies and reports on selected topics by Fossil Energy and Carbon Management experts to provide independent and unbiased perspectives on critical issues. These studies and reports would promote greater understanding of Carbon Management domestically and internationally. The information created will be used at seminars, conferences and workshops attended by various stakeholders, as well as disseminated domestically and internationally, as appropriate. Area 2: Carbon Management Technology Outreach Develop outreach materials that are custom tailored to be readily understood by domestic and international audiences so that its relevance is clear. These materials may include fact sheets, technical papers, flyers, briefing materials, displays, videos, and other products. In addition, information will be acquired from key Fossil Energy and Carbon Management-related activities and projects and added to a global outreach data base that can be used to target specific sectors of the public that may desire education on Carbon Management issues and developments. Area 3: Carbon Management Technology Technical Conference and Workshop Support Support efforts to increase the capacity of decision makers, stakeholders and the public to understand, develop and deploy Fossil Energy and Carbon Management Technologies. These programs will include conferences, workshops, fora or other events that benefit the public by providing insight and education. Organize and conduct technical workshops or seminars focused on specific Fossil Energy and Carbon Management-related topics (like identifying/eliminating key barriers to CDR deployment, assessing the impacts to Carbon Management of new/proposed policies or laws, etc.) and related issues each year in the U.S. These conferences should include speakers and participation by qualified, objective experts. As appropriate, summaries of the findings, outcomes, and/or discussions will be disseminated to the public. Support international Fossil Energy and Carbon Management-related conferences to exchange information in order to highlight developments, projects and deployment of Carbon Management in the U.S. and around the world. The audience would be domestic and international industry and government decision makers, technology developers, educators, policymakers, the public and other stakeholders. As appropriate, summaries of the findings, outcomes, and/or discussions will be provided to the public. Identify high level speakers from government and industry to convene on key technology, policy, regulatory and financial issues. Support U.S. efforts to participate in and assist the Carbon Management programs being pursued by organizations such as the World Energy Council (WEC), International Energy Agency (IEA) and the G-8 Energy Ministers. Program Area 2: Domestic and International Oil, Natural Gas, Methane Hydrates, Hydrogen, and Critical Minerals The DOEs Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Managements Office of Resource Sustainability (ORS) administers the Departments technological development and approaches for reducing the environmental impacts of our historical and continued use of fossil fuels. Reducing the environmental impacts of fossil fuel infrastructure and reducing emissions throughout the supply chain is critical to achieving net-zero emissions. ORS supports a just transition to clean energy while minimizing the environmental impacts in sectors where fossil fuels are difficult to avoid. These goals are accomplished through policy, research, innovation, outreach, and stewardship. ORS advances technologies and solutions to reduce the environmental impacts and emissions associated with fossil energy development, use, transportation, and storage. This includes reducing emissions in the production, transportation, and storage of oil and natural gas; developing advanced remediation technologies for produced water, abandoned mines, abandoned wells, and the conversion of methane to useful products; and improving the economics and environmental performance of critical minerals extraction, processing, use, and disposal. ORS also regulates the import and export of natural gas, conducts analysis of fossil fuel and carbon markets, assesses policy and regulatory proposals, leads outreach for domestic and international engagements, and addresses environmental and energy justice impacts for communities most impacted by fossil fuel development and use. ORS areas of interest are described as follows. Areas of Interest Area 1: Oil, Natural Gas, Hydrogen, and Critical Minerals Consultation, Analysis, and Cooperation Engage recognized experts in global oil, natural gas, hydrogen, and critical minerals to provide advice and assistance to Government and private decision makers, U.S. industry representatives, non-governmental organization (NGO) leaders, and other members of the public who make critical decisions about global oil, natural gas, hydrogen and critical minerals policy. These consultations could involve face-to-face meetings and discussions with the selected global oil, natural gas, hydrogen, and critical minerals experts. Develop market analyses, technical studies, in-person and virtual workshops, and stakeholder events for policy level officials, industry leaders, NGOs, universities, non-profit organizations, and public figures. These events will provide independent and unbiased perspectives on topics associated with oil and natural gas and clean energy development such as mitigating environmental impacts, greenhouse gas (GHG)/methane emissions, natural gas markets and trade, petrochemicals, hydrogen production and transportation, critical minerals, and local and community impacts of energy projects. As appropriate, summaries of the findings, outcomes, and/or discussions from the events will be provided to the public. Support in-person and virtual workshops and events to promote DOE studies and papers on technical, regulatory, climate (e.g., carbon and methane management), environment, community, and/or economic issues related to oil, natural gas, hydrogen, and critical minerals for stakeholders in the US and other countries. Support ongoing Working (WG), Technical (TG), and Stakeholder (SG) Advisory Groups, including those of the Greenhouse Gas Supply Chain Emissions Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV) Framework, through coordinating and implementing in-person or virtual meetings; recording meeting attendance; drafting and distributing meeting notes to include documenting and tracking recommendations and action items; assisting in developing PowerPoint summary materials for briefings; and establishing and maintaining international project coordination online portals for communication and disseminating and receiving information from the WG/TG/SGs; and coordinating information flow among the WG/TG/SGs. Area 2: Oil, Natural Gas, Methane Hydrates, Hydrogen, and Critical Minerals Bilateral and Regional Initiatives and Activities Assist in the organization and implementation of meetings, conferences, workshops, and task force related events on oil, natural gas, methane hydrates, hydrogen, and critical minerals technologies with global partners including foreign governments, companies, universities, and NGOs. These meetings, conferences, workshops, and task force events benefit the public by allowing officials in the U.S. Government and other governments, U.S. and foreign industry leaders, and NGO leaders to exchange information about advanced technologies and best practices in oil, natural gas, methane hydrates, hydrogen, and critical minerals development. Examples of such ORS events are the US India Low Emission Gas Task Force (LEGTF) under the US India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP); Mozambique Initiative; and Greenhouse Gas Supply Chain Emissions Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV) Framework. As appropriate, summaries of the findings, outcomes, and/or discussions from these events will be provided to the public, including through webpages. For the above-listed and similar initiatives and activities, identify and recruit appropriate public and private sector experts for speaking roles and for attendance. DOE may issue a FOA as described in the NOI; may issue a FOA that is significantly different than the FOA described in the NOI; or may not issue a FOA at all.

DOE is seeking information, comments, feedback, and recommendations from interested parties to determine what capabilities supporting research, training and technology demonstration are of highest interest to the nuclear energy research community.All responses are to be made at NEUP.gov per the attached instructions. NE’s mission is to advance nuclear energy science and technology to meet United States (U.S.) energy, environmental, and economic needs. NE has identified the following goals to address challenges in the nuclear energy sector, to help realize the potential of advanced technology, and to leverage the unique role of the Government in spurring innovation: 1. Enable continued operation of existing U.S. nuclear reactors. 2. Enable deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. 3. Develop advanced nuclear fuel cycles and spent nuclear fuel management options. Developing and maintaining a national RD&D framework to achieve NE’s mission requires an integrated approach involving people, tools, facilities, and knowledge tied to strategic partnerships. The infrastructure (i.e., tools and facilities) for nuclear research is a critical part of this framework. NE currently solicits and awards general scientific infrastructure enhancements to universities and national laboratories, as well as university research reactor upgrades through an annual Scientific Infrastructure Support for Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) Funding Opportunity Announcement. The awards made through this mechanism primarily focus on supporting infrastructure for localized research and training needs. NE has implemented an initiative to expand the infrastructure program to enhance the regional or national impact of university research reactors and other nuclear energy research capabilities, and to expand the scope and breath of infrastructure projects and expanding the reach of capabilities through consortia, partnerships and/or reactor sharing.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to child care program owners to expand their facilities by adding spaces for infants or toddlers, addressing the critical need for more early childhood care options in the state.

This funding supports licensed child care providers in North Dakota to improve their facilities and meet health and safety standards, ensuring they can continue to operate effectively.

This funding opportunity is designed to help individuals establish new licensed child care facilities in high-needs counties, increasing access to child care services for families in those areas.

The Douglas Community Fund offers competitive grants specifically aimed at supporting medical and other various needs within Douglas County. With its origins in funding a regional medical facility, the fund places a high priority on the medical needs of the community. Grants range from $2,000 to $10,000, with some reaching $15,000-$20,000. Applicants are notified of their status in late March to early April. This grant program does not support multiyear funding requests. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual opening/ closing deadline: December 1st to January 16th

This program provides financial support to registered apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania to help employers recruit and develop talent by covering costs for apprentices.

This grant provides financial support to licensed child care program owners in high-needs counties to expand their facilities by increasing capacity or relocating, thereby improving child care availability in their communities.

This program funds projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail. The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program is authorized under 49 U.S.C. 22907. The purpose of the CRISI Program is to invest in a wide range of projects within the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability; mitigate congestion at both intercity passenger rail and freight rail chokepoints to support more efficient travel and goods movement; enhance multi-modal connections; and lead to new or substantially improved Intercity Passenger Rail Transportation corridors. This program invests in railroad infrastructure projects that improve safety, support economic vitality (including through opportunities for small businesses), create good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union, increase capacity and supply chain resilience, apply innovative technology, and explicitly address climate change, gender equity and racial equity. The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications for the competitive CRISI Program provided in Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, division L, title I, Public Law 117–328 (2023 Appropriation), Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, division F, title I, Public Law 118–42 (2024 Appropriation) and the 2023 and 2024 advance appropriation in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, division J, title II, Public Law 117–58 (2021).

The Rural program is dedicated to enhancing surface transportation infrastructure within rural communities, with $780 million allocated for this purpose. It supports highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that improve freight, safety, and access to agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities critical to a rural area's economy. This program recognizes the unique challenges faced by smaller communities in accessing funding and aims to support projects that address these needs directly. The submission deadline is May 6, 2024.

The Federal Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Grant Program provides annual matching federal grants to support the purchase, installation, repair/upgrade, operation, and maintenance of recreational vessel marine sanitation facilities (pumpout facilities) and pumpout vessels in Connecticut. The program aims to improve water quality by increasing the availability of proper waste handling facilities for boaters, thereby reducing the discharge of poorly treated or untreated sanitary wastes into Long Island Sound and its harbors. Eligible applicants include public and private marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards, municipal and state-owned facilities, and pumpout vessel programs. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs, requiring a 25% match from grantees. Approximately $1 million is available annually. Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity assists communities in developing a portfolio of ready sites to attract and support growing businesses, with loans available specifically for private developers.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC), serving as an advisory body to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, aims to fund scientific research that tests the effectiveness of the California Forest Practice Rules and associated regulations. This includes addressing natural resource issues such as watershed science, wildlife concerns, and wildfire hazard. Proposals are sought that focus on one or more of EMC's Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions, particularly those that contribute to understanding and enhancing wildfire resilience and response to climate change across California's forestlands. Projects must directly relate to management activities on private timberlands in the state, although those on public lands may qualify if they demonstrate relevance to non-federal timberland activities.

Launched in 2024, the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation's Working Grant Program aims to support individuals in the beef industry, including ranching, beef production, or related areas supporting the beef value chain, who wish to start or grow their businesses. Financial assistance is provided to overcome barriers like equipment purchase, operational expenses, infrastructure building, or labor hiring. Eligibility is determined based on operation in economically depressed areas in Texas or Oklahoma, disadvantaged status, and difficulty in obtaining conventional financing. Grants are not guaranteed even if all eligibility requirements are met, and the foundation retains the discretion in funding decisions. Grant renewed every year. Grant Fall annual opening/closing deadline: November 1st to November 30th

Administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, this grant focuses on utility improvements necessary for the support of value-added agriculture businesses. It offers financial assistance for water and wastewater line improvements, as well as electrical and gas supply enhancements to accommodate the unique needs of agriculture businesses aiming for development or expansion. Grants are available up to $350,000 or 80% of the utility project cost, with a commitment to supporting projects that bolster the infrastructure required for sustainable agriculture growth and efficiency. Rolling application. Deadline is 04/01/2025 unless funds are depleted earlier

This grant program, overseen by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture in consultation with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), is dedicated to supporting infrastructure improvements for roadways and bridges. It aims to facilitate the development or expansion of new or existing value-added agriculture businesses by enhancing access and transportation infrastructure. Political subdivisions are invited to apply for funding to undertake corridor improvements on county and township roadways and improvements to bridges that provide access to value-added agriculture businesses. The program commits to awarding grants up to $1,250,000 or 80% of the project cost, prioritizing projects that demonstrate significant potential for economic impact on the agriculture sector. Rolling application. Deadline is 04/01/2025 unless funds are depleted earlier

The Child Care Capital Program (CCCP) will award grants to eligible child care providers to expand existing child care centers or build new ones. The program will be overseen by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).The CCCP will provide reimbursement grants for the design, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, equipment and other capital assets for existing or proposed state-licensed, not-for-profit or for-profit child day care centers and registered school-age child care programs. The facility must be intended to be used as a child care program for at least eight years. Projects must be shovel-ready, demonstrate the ability to be licensed and fully operational within six months of completing construction and worth at least $500,000.

The INFRA program, part of the MPDG, allocates $2.7 billion towards competitive grants for significant multimodal freight and highway projects that aim to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of freight and people movement across rural and urban areas. It focuses on projects that enhance economic benefits, reduce congestion, increase resiliency, and improve critical freight movements. The program encourages applications that address supply chain bottlenecks and are of national or regional significance. The application deadline is May 6, 2024.