NOI: Distribution Communication and Control Technologies Research, Development, and Demonstration” | DE FOA 0003230

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0003230

The Notice of Intent (NOI) titled "Distribution Communication and Control Technologies Research, Development, and Demonstration" (DE-FOA-0003230) signals that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is considering issuing a future Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), expected around January 2024, under the Office of Electricity (OE). The planned FOA (referenced as DE-FOA-0003198) would focus on research, development, and demonstration efforts that strengthen communication and control technologies used on the electric distribution grid. The overall policy aim is to advance DOE OE priorities tied to operating the grid in a way that is more reliable, resilient, secure, and affordable, with particular attention to the communications layer that underpins modern distribution operations.

At its core, the opportunity is framed around the idea that secure, dependable communications are not optional for today’s distribution systems. Distribution utilities increasingly rely on interconnected devices, sensors, automation, and remotely operated controls, which all depend on communication networks to function correctly. DOE is emphasizing that strong communications capabilities are central to routine reliability as well as to handling emergencies: they enable faster response to disruptions, help with recovery after outages, and reduce the risk that natural disasters or malicious actors could interfere with grid operations. In practical terms, the kinds of projects anticipated under a FOA like this typically revolve around improving how data moves across distribution networks, how control signals are protected and validated, and how utilities maintain operational visibility and command during abnormal conditions.

Administratively, this is a discretionary federal funding opportunity expected to use cooperative agreements as the award instrument, meaning DOE would likely anticipate substantial involvement in the project over its life rather than operating purely as a hands-off grantmaker. The activity category is science and technology and other research and development, and the CFDA (assistance listing) number is 81.122. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, which generally suggests a broad range of potential applicants may be able to apply if a FOA is issued, such as private companies, universities, nonprofits, utilities, national laboratories, state and local entities, or teams of partners. The NOI is associated with the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) as the named agency entity in the posting.

Several details remain unknown because this document is only a notice of intent and not the actual FOA. The notice explicitly states DOE may issue a FOA as described, may issue a FOA that differs significantly from what is described, or may choose not to issue any FOA at all. All information provided is subject to change without notice. There is also no active application process at this stage: DOE is not accepting concept papers or full applications yet, and it is not taking questions during the NOI phase. If the FOA is issued, it would provide the official submission instructions, deadlines, topic areas, evaluation criteria, requirements for teaming, cost share expectations (if any), and the process for submitting questions.

The source data attached to the NOI includes a listed original closing date of January 25, 2024, but since no applications are being accepted under the NOI itself, that date should be treated as informational or placeholder until the FOA is released with firm submission deadlines. The posting also shows an award ceiling of 2 and expected awards field present but not clearly populated with a specific count, reinforcing that final funding levels, number of awards, and project scope will only be confirmed in the FOA if it is ultimately issued.

• The National Energy Technology Laboratory in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NOI: Distribution Communication and Control Technologies Research, Development, and Demonstration”" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.122.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-11-20.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-01-25. (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 $2.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

Apply for DE FOA 0003230

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