3/6/24, 5:55 PM Program FAQs
https://doerebates.my.site.com/eecbgvouchers/s/program-faqs?language=en_US 1/5 Frequently Asked Questions | Program
Review the program webinar and slide deck below to learn more about the DOE SCEP EECBG VoucherProgram.
Webinar Recording
(https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/EECBG%20Program%20Voucher%20Option%20Webinar_vF.pdf) Program Slides
Energy E ciency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program Introduction to VoucEnergy E ciency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program Introduction to Vouc…… General Questions About Vouchers
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Program (/eecbgvouchers/s/about-the-program)Registration (/eecbgvouchers/s/registration)Requirements (/ee 3/6/24, 5:55 PM Program FAQs
https://doerebates.my.site.com/eecbgvouchers/s/program-faqs?language=en_US 2/5 1) WHAT CAN I USE AN EECBG PROGRAM VOUCHER FOR? Vouchers can be used for two purposes: technical assistance and/or rebates for the purchase andinstallation of energy efficiency or clean energy equipment. Examples include, but are not limitedto:
•Technical assistance: Energy plan development, decarbonization planning and roadmaps,identification of best practices, building audits, stakeholder and community engagementstrategy development, renewable energy system design, cost effectiveness studies, policyanalysis, and EV fleet and charger site assessment. For a more comprehensive list oftechnical assistance offerings, please see the Voucher Handbook(https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/Voucher-Handbook_8.23.24.pdf). •Equipment rebates: Retrofit technologies, renewable energy technologies, micro-mobilityequipment, alternative fuel vehicles, and electric vehicle charging stations. For a morecomprehensive list of eligible equipment, please see the Voucher Handbook(https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/Voucher-Handbook_8.23.24.pdf). 2) HOW DOES AN EECBG PROGRAM VOUCHER DIFFER FROM A TRADITIONAL GRANT? While vouchers have more restricted uses than a traditional EECBG Program grant, applying forand administering a voucher is intended to be less administratively burdensome for eligibleentities. Entities choosing vouchers will submit a separate application using a streamlined process withreduced documentation, monitoring, and reporting requirements compared to applying for andadministering a traditional federal grant. Voucher recipients will not be required to establish thenecessary financial management systems, including accounting for federal funds, invoicing, andinternal audits typically needed to comply with traditional federal grant managementrequirements. While this process is streamlined, it is important to note that some monitoring andreporting will still be required for eligible entities. 3) HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A VOUCHER AND THE DOLLARAMOUNT AVAILABLE TO MY GOVERNMENT? All local and Tribal governments that are eligible for EECBG Program formula grants can chooseto receive their award in the form of a voucher in lieu of a traditional grant. Local and Tribalgovernments can find out if they are eligible for an EECBG Program formula award and theamount they are eligible for here (https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/IIJA%20%2840552%29%20EECBG%20Program_Attachment%201a.%20_Local%20Govt.%20Allocations_FINAL.pdf) and here (https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/IIJA%20%2840552%29%20EECBG%20Program_Attachment%201c.%20_Tribal%20Allocations_FINAL.pdf), respectively. DOE especially encourages local governments and Tribes whose award amount is less than$250,000 or who have limited staffing capacity to pursue the voucher option given its streamlinedapproach. If you would like a more detailed description of how DOE determined the list of eligible entities,please see Section 2.1 of the EECBG Program Application Instructions (https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/IIJA%20%2840552%29%20EECBG%20Program_Application%20Instructions.pdf)or ourgeneral FAQs (https://www.energy.gov/scep/energy-efficiency-and-conservation-block-grant-eecbg-program-frequently-asked-questions-june). There are over 2,700 States, territories, localgovernments, and Tribes eligible for EECBG Program funding. 3/6/24, 5:55 PM Program FAQs
https://doerebates.my.site.com/eecbgvouchers/s/program-faqs?language=en_US 3/5 4) WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR A VOUCHER? For local government entities, applications for both Technical Assistance and Equipment RebateVouchers are available now until April 30, 2024. For tribal government entities, applications areavailable until May 31, 2025. 5) CAN I APPLY FOR BOTH A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE VOUCHER AND AN EQUIPMENTREBATE? IF SO, DO I NEED TO SUBMIT TWO APPLICATIONS? Eligible entities CAN pursue BOTH a voucher for technical assistance and an equipment rebate.The total of your requested equipment rebate and technical assistance voucher cannot exceedyour EECBG Program formula award allocation. If you select this option, you will need to submit two separate applications. 6) CAN I APPLY FOR BOTH AN EECBG PROGRAM VOUCHER AND GRANT? No, you cannot apply for both a voucher and a traditional grant. 7) CAN I STILL USE A VOUCHER IF IT DOES NOT COVER THE FULL ESTIMATED COST OFMY PROJECT? IF SO, CAN I SUPPLEMENT WITH OTHER SOURCES TO MEET THESEFUNDING NEEDS? Yes, and yes! Feel free to use your voucher to fund a larger or ongoing project and supplementwith additional funds as needed. In your application, you will be asked to describe anysupplemental funding sources. 8) CAN I SUBGRANT VOUCHERS AND IF SO TO WHOM? Eligible entities CANNOT sub-grant vouchers to other parties. If you desire to sub-grant yourfunds, you should pursue the traditional grant option. 9) I HAVE A PROJECT IDEA FOR A VOUCHER. HOW DO I KNOW IF IT QUALIFIES, ANDCAN I GET MY PROJECT APPROVED BEFORE I APPLY? DOE is unable to make determinations on specific project ideas before reviewing a fullapplication. However, DOE has provided some general guidance(https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/EECBG%20Eligible%20Activities%20and%20Program%20Guidance_4.25_FINAL_signed.pdf) on voucher-eligible activities to help with your project planning. Technical assistance vouchers and equipment rebates will be subject to the same guidelines asactivities carried out using traditional grants. Please refer to Section 2.2 of the EECBG ProgramApplication Instructions (https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/IIJA%20%2840552%29%20EECBG%20Program_Application%20Instructions.pdf) andthe Eligible Activities Program Guidance (https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/EECBG%20Eligible%20Activities%20and%20Program%20Guidance_4.25_FINAL_signed.pdf) for additional information on allowable activities.
Equipment Rebate Vouchers
1) HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY EQUIPMENT REBATE? 3/6/24, 5:55 PM Program FAQs
https://doerebates.my.site.com/eecbgvouchers/s/program-faqs?language=en_US 4/5 DOE aims to process voucher applications within 30-60 days of receipt of a complete applicationand make payments within 45 days of an approved application (post-installation). Please note,your application may be returned for revision if it does not meet all application requirements,which may prolong the processing timeline. 2) WHO WILL RECEIVE THE REBATE – MY ORGANIZATION OR OUR CONTRACTORS? Once processed, the rebate will go directly to the eligible entity, NOT to contractors. 3) WHAT COSTS CAN THE EQUIPMENT REBATE COVER? The rebate can cover both the cost of purchasing new equipment (as long as it aligns with theeligible uses of the program as outlined in the Eligible Activities Program Guidance(https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/EECBG%20Eligible%20Activities%20and%20Program%20Guidance_4.25_FINAL_signed.pdf)) as well as costs necessary for installation, such as materials and labor. 4) CAN I USE MY REBATE FOR EQUIPMENT THAT WAS PURCHASED PRIOR TOAPPLICATION APPROVAL? No. Rebates can only be used for equipment purchased after your application is approved. 5) CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN VENDOR, OR DO I NEED TO CHOOSE FROM A LIST OFAPPROVED VENDORS? You may choose your own vendor for equipment purchases. However, you will be required tofollow procurement requirements in accordance with 2 CFR 200.317-327(https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II). If an eligible entity has an existingprocurement policy that aligns with federal requirements, it may follow its own procurement policy.Eligible entities that do not have their own procurement policies should follow federal procurementrequirements. 6) ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS ON EQUIPMENT PURCHASES? When purchasing and installing your equipment you must follow certain national policies includingthe National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Build America, Buy America (BABA), and theDavis-Bacon Act. Please note that on July 28, 2023, DOE released a General Applicability PublicInterest Waiver (https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/DOE-Final-%20Public%20Interest-%20Sm%20Grant%20De%20Minimis%20Minor%20Component%20-%20Final%20for%20posting%207.26.23_0.pdf) for BABA equipment purchasing requirementsthat exempts entities with EECBG Program formula allocations totaling $250,000 or less fromBABA requirements.
Technical Assistance Vouchers
1) WHO WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE? DOE plans to procure the services of a third-party Technical Assistance Administrator tocoordinate requests and provide technical assistance to voucher recipients. The TechnicalAssistance Administrator will consist of a team of subject matter experts in key areas that alignwith EECBG Program goals and allowable activities. The Technical Assistance Administrator willwork with voucher recipients to develop a technical assistance scope of work that meetsrecipients’ needs and desired outcomes. 3/6/24, 5:55 PM Program FAQs
https://doerebates.my.site.com/eecbgvouchers/s/program-faqs?language=en_US 5/5 Website and program administered by ICF Incorporated under DOE BPA Award 89303023ASE000001.Instances of potential fraud, waste, and abuse should be referred to the DOE IG Hotline (https://www.energy.gov/ig/ig-hotline), phone: 1–800–541–1625 oremail: [email protected] 2) CAN I USE A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER THAT I HAVE CHOSEN? Eligible entities that select a technical assistance voucher may NOT choose their own technicalassistance provider. Technical assistance obtained using a voucher must be provided by theTechnical Assistance Administrator and their team. Eligible entities that obtain technicalassistance using a traditional EECBG Program grant, rather than a voucher, have more flexibilityto select a technical assistance provider of their choosing. Therefore, if you have a specifictechnical assistance provider in mind, you may elect to pursue a traditional grant instead of avoucher.