University Training and Research in Fossil Energy - UCR/HBCU | DE FOA 0002193

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0002193

The Department of Energy (DOE), through the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), offered this discretionary grant funding opportunity called "University Training and Research in Fossil Energy - UCR/HBCU" (Funding Opportunity Number DE-FOA-0002193) to support university-led research and workforce development tied to the nation’s fossil energy research priorities. The program is built around the idea that strong, fundamental research at universities can both advance fossil energy science and technology and also train the next generation of engineers and scientists who will be needed to fill key workforce gaps in fossil energy-related fields.

This FOA is specifically aimed at higher education institutions, with eligibility restricted to the university community and the HBCU/OMI community. In practical terms, that means applications were expected from public and state-controlled colleges and universities as well as private institutions of higher education, with a strong emphasis on participation by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (often referenced here as OMI). The activity categories reflect a blend of education and research, covering energy, environmental and natural resources topics, and broader science and technology research and development (CFDA 81.057).

The funding focuses on two closely related tracks. The first is University Coal Research (UCR), which supports coal technology research and development projects that are fundamental and innovative. The stated intent is not only to push coal-related science forward, but also to maintain a pipeline of trained talent that can move into critical roles within the fossil energy workforce, helping advance DOE’s Fossil Energy R&D mission. The second track is aimed at HBCUs and other minority institutions and supports fossil energy R&D that aligns with program goals while deliberately emphasizing education and training outcomes. This component highlights preparing highly skilled scientists and engineers for advanced technology markets, including an expectation that trainees gain experience working in and for culturally diverse environments and with diverse stakeholders, customers, and business partners.

From a process standpoint, DOE planned to issue the FOA, receive applications, and evaluate them through a merit review that draws on reviewers with different perspectives, including industry and DOE personnel. After scoring and ranking, DOE would select the highest-rated proposals, negotiate final terms and budgets with selected applicants, and then complete the award process by issuing grants. This structure is meant to ensure that funded projects are both technically strong and relevant to real-world needs, while also meeting DOE requirements for accountability and performance.

In terms of scale and timing, the opportunity was created on December 20, 2019, with an original application closing date of March 2, 2020. The FOA anticipated making about 13 awards, with an award ceiling listed at $6,379,000 (as provided in the source data). Overall, the program is best understood as a combined research-and-training investment: it funds university-driven fossil energy and coal-related R&D while also using those projects as hands-on training platforms to develop a skilled, diverse workforce for the energy sector.

• The Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory in the education, energy, environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "University Training and Research in Fossil Energy - UCR/HBCU" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.057.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 20, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 02, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $6,379,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 13 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for DE FOA 0002193

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