EECBG Program Voucher Handbook
January 2024
1 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program Voucher Handbook
Contents
Section 1: Background .................................................................................................................................. 2 Definitions............................................................................................................................................. 2 Purpose and Scope of Vouchers ............................................................................................................ 2 Voucher Application Timing and Period of Performance .................................................................... 2 Limitations on Use of Vouchers ........................................................................................................... 3 Justice40 Initiative ................................................................................................................................ 3 Section 2: Voucher Eligible Activities .......................................................................................................... 4 Equipment Rebate Options ................................................................................................................... 5 Technical Assistance Options ............................................................................................................... 6 Section 3: Voucher User Journey .................................................................................................................. 9 Equipment Rebate User Journey ........................................................................................................... 9 Technical Assistance User Journey ..................................................................................................... 11 Section 4: Application Contents ................................................................................................................. 13 Section 5: Reporting Requirements ............................................................................................................ 14 Equipment Rebate Reporting Requirements ....................................................................................... 14 Technical Assistance Voucher Reporting Requirements .................................................................... 15 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) ...................................................................................... 15 Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) ..................................................................................................................... 15 Build America, Buy America (BABA) ............................................................................................... 16
EECBG Program Voucher Handbook
January 2024
2 Section 1: Background
The purpose of this Handbook is to provide guidance for local and tribal governments on the use of equipment rebates and technical assistance vouchers to access their Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program formula award. It is intended to supplement existing EECBG Program materials and resources, including the Administrative and Legal Requirements Document (ALRD), Application Instructions, and Eligible Activities and Program Guidance, with information that is specific to the EECBG Program voucher offering.
Definitions
Technical Assistance Voucher: a method for exchanging an eligible entity’s EECBG Program formula award for technical assistance services in an amount not to exceed an eligible entity’s EECBG Program formula award.
Equipment Rebate: reimbursement for the purchase and installation of qualified energy efficiency and clean energy equipment in an amount not to exceed an eligible entity’s EECBG Program formula award.
Voucher: an umbrella term that encompasses the streamlined method for accessing EECBG Program formula awards through Technical Assistance vouchers and equipment rebates.
Traditional Grant: EECBG Program formula grants that proceed through the traditional federal grant making process.
Technical Assistance: refers to support that EECBG Program recipients can receive from qualified experts. Eligible entities can access technical assistance through a variety of channels, including a technical assistance voucher.
1 Technical Assistance Administrator: refers to the third-party administrator who will manage requests for technical assistance vouchers and provide technical assistance to voucher recipients.
Rebate Administrator: refers to the third-party administrator who will manage requests and collect the necessary documentation for equipment rebates.
Purpose and Scope of Vouchers
The purpose of vouchers is to simplify and streamline the process of accessing EECBG Program formula awards. Vouchers can be used for two primary purposes:
1. Technical assistance vouchers are used to access support from experts, across a wide array of high-value opportunities in energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, and related areas.
2. Equipment rebates are used for the purchase and installation of energy-related equipment used to meet EECBG Program goals.
Voucher Application Timing and Period of Performance
DOE aims to process voucher applications within 30-60 days of receipt of a complete application.
Following application approval, eligible entities have up to two years to use their EECBG Program voucher funds with the option to request a no-cost extension. Only equipment purchases made after an eligible entity’s application has been approved qualify for the rebate.
1 More information on EECBG technical assistance opportunities can be found here:
https://www.energy.gov/scep/energy-efficiency-and-conservation-block-grant-program-technical-assistance- opportunities
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January 2024
3 Limitations on Use of Vouchers
Equipment rebates and technical assistance vouchers are subject to the same limitations that apply to EECBG Program formula awards as described in the ALRD and Section 6.3 E of the Application Instructions.
To streamline application and administrative requirements, equipment rebate and technical assistance voucher recipients are subject to additional limitations, including:
Technical Assistance Voucher Limitations:
• Technical assistance vouchers may not be sub-granted. Technical assistance vouchers must be used to support the EECBG Program formula award-eligible entity. • Technical assistance voucher recipients may not select their own technical assistance provider.
Technical assistance will be provided by the Technical Assistance Administrator and their team.
However, the Technical Assistance Administrator may have the ability to sub-contract with technical assistance providers outside of their team, including local providers, where appropriate. • Technical assistance vouchers may not be used to cover recipient staff time. • Activities performed using a technical assistance voucher must fall within the NEPA Determination of allowable activities. See Section 5 of this Handbook for additional information on NEPA requirements for technical assistance vouchers.
Equipment Rebate Limitations:
• Equipment rebates cannot be sub-granted. Equipment must be purchased by the EECBG Program formula award-eligible entity and used and installed in accordance with program requirements. • Equipment rebates cannot be used to cover recipient staff time required for procurement, administrative tasks, and other related activities.
• Equipment rebates cannot cover purchases made before an eligible entity’s application has been approved.
Note that the specific limitations listed above do not apply to EECBG Program traditional grants.
Applicants that find these limitations undesirable may want to consider applying for their EECBG Program formula award through a traditional grant.
Justice40 Initiative
EECBG Program is a Justice40-covered program and as such contributes to the President’s goal that 40% of the overall benefits of Federal investments in clean energy and climate solutions flow to Disadvantaged Communities that for too long have faced disinvestment and underinvestment. DOE strongly encourages eligible entities to maximize project benefits and describe how these benefits will flow to Disadvantaged Communities to the greatest extent practicable. DOE has released General Guidance on Justice40
Implementation d esigned to help eligible entities and other interested parties incorporate Justice40 Initiative goals into DOE-funded projects. In addition, see Section 4.2 of the Application Instructions for more information on how to integrate Justice40 Initiative goals into your EECBG Program funding plans.
EECBG Program Voucher Handbook
January 2024
4 Section 2: Voucher Eligible Activities
Vouchers can be used for technical assistance services and/or rebates for equipment purchases and installation. Technical assistance and equipment purchases procured with a voucher must fall within the 14 eligible use categories of the EECBG Program as established in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA)2 and expanded in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA).3 A full description of the eligible activity categories can be found in the Eligible Activities and Program Guidance and Section 2.2 of the Application Instructions. The following sections provide additional guidance on voucher eligible activities within these categories.
Voucher applicants are encouraged to refer to the EECBG Program Blueprints for additional guidance on potential areas for technical assistance or equipment installations. EECBG Program Blueprints are model projects and programs designed to help governments achieve high-impact results. Voucher recipients may look to the key activity areas in the Blueprints for ideas on potential opportunities for technical assistance and common deliverables. Blueprints also contain high-level cost estimations for common projects.
Blueprint topics are listed in the table below:
Blueprint Topic Blueprint
Energy Planning #1 Energy Planning
Efficient Buildings
#2A Energy Efficiency – Energy Audits and
Building Upgrades
#2B Energy Savings Performance Contracts:
Energy Efficiency and Electrification in
Government Buildings
#2C Building Electrification Campaign
#2D Building Performance Standards & Stretch
Codes
Renewables
#3A Solar & Storage – Power Purchase
Agreements and Direct Ownership
#3B Community Solar
#3C Solarize Campaign
#3D Renewable Resource Planning for Rural and
Tribal Communities
Electric Transportation
#4A Electric Vehicles and Fleet Electrification
#4B EV Charging Infrastructure for the
Community
Finance #5 Unlocking Sustainable Financing Solutions for Energy Projects with Revolving Loan Funds
Workforce #6 Workforce Development
2 42 U.S.C. 17154.
3 PL 117-58 Section 40552
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January 2024
5 Equipment Rebate Options
Equipment rebates can be used for the purchase and installation of energy-related equipment which can span a wide array of technologies deployed for the purpose of lowering fossil fuel use or increasing energy efficiency. Equipment eligible for purchase under the equipment rebate option includes but is not limited to the categories and equipment types outlined in the table below:
Equipment Category Equipment Type
Retrofit Technologies
HVAC equipment:
▫ Air source heat pumps
▫ Ground source heat pumps
▫ Water source heat pumps
▫ Central Air Conditioners
▫ Heat recovery ventilation systems
▫ Gas, propane, or oil hot water boilers
▫ Gas, propane, or oil furnaces and fans
▫ Building Automation Systems (BAS)
Water heater equipment:
▫ Heat pump water heater
▫ Solar water heaters
▫ Electric, gas, or oil indirect water heaters
▫ Electric, gas, or oil tankless coil water heaters
▫ Gas, oil, propane water heater
▫ High efficiency gas storage water heaters
Weatherization materials
▫ Updated doors
▫ Updated windows and skylights
▫ Roofs
▫ Solar screens, window louvers or awnings
▫ Insulation
Efficient light sources
▫ LED lighting
Renewable Energy Technologies ▫ Solar Panels
▫ Wind turbines
▫ Fuel cells
▫ Biomass
▫ Geothermal heat pumps
▫ Battery storage
Metering Equipment ▫ Metering technology
▫ Computerized traffic management systems
Micromobility Equipment ▫ Bicycle fleets
▫ Electric pedal assisted bikes
▫ E-Bicycles
▫ E-Scooters
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6 Alternative Fuel Vehicles ▫ Electric vehicles
▫ Hybrid vehicles
▫ Natural gas-powered vehicles
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations ▫ Public EV charging stations ▫ EV charging station for government or tribal fleet
Technical Assistance Options
Technical assistance vouchers can be used to access support from experts across a wide array of high- value opportunities in energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, and related areas. The table below outlines broad categories of technical assistance that will be provided through technical assistance vouchers and example activities in each category. Technical assistance activities include but are not limited to the categories and example activities outlined in the table below:
EECBG Program
Focus Area
Technical Assistance
Categories
Technical Assistance Offerings
Energy Planning Energy Plan Development Climate/Decarbonization Planning and Roadmaps Metric and Goal Development
Report Development
Data collection and analysis
Analysis of Best Practices
Disadvantaged Community Mapping/Analysis
Policy Landscape Analysis
Economic Value Impact Potential
Residential EE/RE/EV Integration
System Modernization Planning and Modeling
Stakeholder and Community
Engagement
Marketing Materials
Communication and Outreach to stakeholders,
including underrepresented and disadvantaged
communities
Utility Engagement Utility Plan Review
Demand Response Enablement
Leveraging Utility Programs
Utility Bill Impact Analysis
Rate Impact Studies
Energy Efficiency Program Design & Equity Analysis of Best Practices Program Design Support
EM&V Planning and Execution
Cost Effectiveness Studies
Evaluation plan development
Financial Incentives Options Analysis and Design
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7 Stakeholder and Community
Engagement
Marketing Materials
Report Development
Communication and Outreach
Contractor Training
Building Audits Residential and Commercial Building Audits Policy Building Performance / Labeling Policies
Policy and Planning Support
Building Codes Building codes analysis and planning
Compliance Studies
Code Adoption Support and Training
Inspections
Retrofit Analysis and Planning Electrification Assessments Process Improvements
DR/Grid Modernization Enablement
Engineering/Modeling Support
Renewable Energy Solar Assessment/Studies/System Design Utility and Stakeholder Coordination
Financial, Engineering/Modeling Support
Battery Storage Assessment/Studies/System Design
Utility and Stakeholder Coordination
Financial, Engineering/Modeling Support
Program Design Identification of Best Practices
Design Support including Impact Analysis
EM&V Planning
Cost Effectiveness Studies
Evaluation plan development
Incentive Design
Building/Site Audits Building/Site Audits
Stakeholder and Community
Engagement
Marketing Materials
Report Development
Communication and Outreach
Contractor Training
Financing Rate Impact Assessment
Capital Budget/ Bond Planning
Incentives analysis/program design
Policy Renewable Energy Policies Analysis and Planning Electric Vehicles
and Sustainable
Transportation
Program Design Fleet analysis/telematics
Planning and Design Support
Cost Effectiveness Studies
EM&V Planning
Evaluation plan development
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8 Incentive Design
Financing Opportunities and Options Analysis
Transportation Planning
Infrastructure Planning
Engineering/Modeling Support
EV Fleets and Chargers Building/site assessment
Utility engagement
Financial, utility bill analysis
Feasibility studies, options analysis, impact analysis
Electric Transportation Planning
Stakeholder Coordination
Charging plan development
As described in Section 3 of this Handbook, technical assistance voucher applicants will work with the Technical Assistance Administrator to refine a scope of work for their project that aligns with EECBG Program goals, meets program requirements, and is feasible based on the available budget.
Technical assistance voucher applicants are encouraged to refer to the EECBG Program Blueprints, described at the beginning of Section 2, for guidance on potential areas for technical assistance and high- level cost estimates.
EECBG Program Voucher Handbook
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9 Section 3: Voucher User Journey
The process of applying for, obtaining, and utilizing equipment rebates and technical assistance vouchers is outlined below.
Equipment Rebate User Journey
Step 1: Determine how you will use your equipment rebate Guidance on allowable uses of EECBG Program funds can be found in the Eligible Activities and Program Guidance, Section 2.2 of the Application Instructions. Equipment rebates will be used to fund the purchase and installation of energy-related equipment which can span a wide array of technologies deployed for the purpose of reducing fossil fuel emissions, reducing energy use, or improving energy efficiency. Section 2 of this Handbook illustrates a variety of potential uses for equipment rebate.
You are encouraged to identify opportunities to maximize the impact of your equipment rebate by:
• Leveraging rebates in alignment with other federal funding opportunities • Advancing the goals of Justice40 through equipment purchases and installation • Considering teaming with other eligible entities on regional or cohort-based equipment purchases4
If you need additional support planning the use of your equipment rebate, you are encouraged to utilize technical assistance services available, such as:
• Using an EECBG Program Blueprint to guide your project and ensure a prioritized application review and approval. EECBG Program Blueprints can be found here. • Joining a Blueprint cohort. DOE will convene cohorts along each of the blueprint topics on a regular basis starting in Summer of 2023. DOE will host regular virtual meetings to give EECBG Program grantees the chance to ask questions, meet one another, hear some best practices and success stories, and do some troubleshooting. Sign up to join a Blueprint cohort by emailing [email protected] or filling out this form. • Utilizing free online tools that can help you identify target areas that can make the greatest impact in your locality, identify disadvantaged communities, and more including:
▫ State and Local Planning for Energy (SLOPE) Platform
▫ Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool
▫ Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD)
▫ ResStock and ComStock
▫ Jobs and Economic Development Impact (JEDI) Tool
▫ PVWatts and REopt
• Writing to DOE to request technical assistance by emailing [email protected]. • Applying for a technical assistance voucher in addition to your equipment rebate.
4 For more information on teaming, please see section 2.4 of the EECBG Application Instructions:
https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-
01/IIJA%20%2840552%29%20EECBG%20Program_Application%20Instructions.pdf EECBG Program Voucher Handbook
January 2024
10 Step 2: Submit your equipment rebate application
Submit your application on the Voucher Application Portal. Components of an equipment rebate application are listed in Section 4 of this handbook.
If you have already submitted a Pre-Award Information Sheet for the voucher option, you will receive an email from [email protected] with your username and a link to set up a password for the Voucher Portal. The title of the email will be “U.S. DOE EECBG Program Voucher Registration.” If you cannot locate this email, reach out to [email protected] for assistance accessing the portal.
If you have not submitted a Pre-Award Information Sheet, you may register directly on the Voucher Application Portal. ONLY register here if you have not submitted the Pre-Award Information Sheet.
Visit the EECBG Program Application Hub for additional information on how to access the portal.
Step 3: DOE reviews your application
DOE aims to process equipment rebate applications within 30-60 days of receipt of a complete application. DOE will review your application to ensure it contains sufficient identifying information, proposed equipment purchases and installation align with the eligible uses and EECBG Program funding, policy requirements are satisfied, and the proposed budget aligns with your formula award.
Step 5: Purchase and install equipment
Once an application is approved, you may begin the purchase and installation of equipment according to terms and conditions associated with your rebate. Only equipment purchased following your approved application is eligible for a rebate.
Step 6: Submit required documentation to the Rebate Administrator You are required to track and report costs associated with the purchase and installation of equipment as well as any other documentation outlined in the rebate terms and conditions. Documentation requirements may include, but are not limited to items such as:
• Quotes for any purchases exceeding $50,000
• Receipts of any equipment or material purchases
• Invoices from installation contractors
• Photos of installed equipment
Step 7: Rebate Administrator issues rebate and coordinates invoicing with DOE The Rebate Administrator will review your submitted documentation and submit to DOE for final review and approval. Following approval, DOE will reimburse you for the cost of the equipment purchased and installed, up to the amount equivalent to your EECBG Program formula award.
Step 8: Submit regular reports to the Rebate Administrator You will be required to report certain financial, performance, and compliance information on a regular basis. These reports will be submitted to the Rebate Administrator, who will consolidate and send to DOE. For more information on reporting requirements, see Section 5 of this Handbook.
EECBG Program Voucher Handbook
January 2024
11 Technical Assistance User Journey
Step 1: Determine how you will use your technical assistance voucher Guidance on allowable uses of EECBG Program funds can be found in the Eligible Activities and Program Guidance and Section 2.2 of the Application Instructions. Technical assistance vouchers will be used to access support from experts, across a wide array of high-value opportunities in energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, and related areas. Section 2 of this Handbook illustrates a variety of potential uses for technical assistance vouchers. For guidance and high-level cost estimates on common areas of technical assistance, please refer to the EECBG Program Blueprints.
You are encouraged to identify opportunities to maximize the impact of the technical assistance you receive by:
• Leveraging technical assistance vouchers to develop strategies that will support other federal funding opportunities
• Advance the goals of Justice40 through technical assistance • Consider teaming with other eligible entities on regional or cohort-based technical assistance5 Step 2: Submit your Technical Assistance voucher application Submit your application on the Voucher Application Portal. Components of a technical assistance application are listed in Section 4 of this handbook.
If you have already submitted a Pre-Award Information Sheet for the voucher option, you will receive an email from [email protected] with your username and a link to set up a password for the Voucher Portal. The title of the email will be “U.S. DOE EECBG Program Voucher Registration.” If you cannot locate this email, reach out to
[email protected] for assistance accessing the portal.
If you have not submitted a Pre-Award Information Sheet, you may register directly on the Voucher Application Portal. ONLY register here if you have not submitted the Pre-Award Information Sheet.
Visit the EECBG Program Application Hub for additional information on how to access the portal.
Step 3: DOE reviews your application
DOE aims to process technical assistance voucher applications within 30-60 days of receipt of a complete application. DOE will review your application to ensure it contains sufficient identifying information, proposed activities align with the eligible uses and EECBG Program funding, policy requirements are satisfied, and the proposed budget aligns with your formula award.
Step 4: Work with Technical Assistance Administrator to refine scope of work Upon approval from DOE, you will work directly with the Technical Assistance Administrator to refine a scope of work. This will include aligning project goals and deliverables with available funding and expertise, finalizing deliverables and timelines, and defining a partnership structure (i.e., consulting, co- creation, etc.). This refinement process will be at no cost to you up to a limited number of hours. If the scope refinement goes beyond those defined hours, the cost of that additional time will get charged against your formula award amount and reduce the funding available to you for technical assistance. If the
5 For more information on teaming, please see section 2.4 of the EECBG Application Instructions:
https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-
01/IIJA%20%2840552%29%20EECBG%20Program_Application%20Instructions.pdf EECBG Program Voucher Handbook
January 2024
12 negotiation significantly alters the scope of work included in your initial application, you may be required to resubmit to DOE for approval.
Step 5: Technical Assistance Administrator delivers the scope of work The Technical Assistance Administrator will deliver the services outline in the agreed-upon scope of work. You should ensure that you have adequate staffing to partner with technical assistance providers as required, implement technical assistance, and apply lessons learned.
Step 6: Technical Assistance Administrator and DOE coordinate on invoicing The Technical Assistance Administrator will submit monthly invoices to DOE for their services. Voucher recipients will be required to review and approve invoices prior to their submission to DOE to ensure that the invoices accurately reflect services rendered. DOE will review all invoices and submit payment upon approval. Voucher recipients will not be responsible for tracking hours, invoicing, or payment.
Step 7: Technical Assistance Administrator prepares regular reports Reporting on technical assistance activities will occur in accordance with EECBG Program requirements.
See Section 5 of this Handbook for additional information on reporting requirements.
EECBG Program Voucher Handbook
January 2024
13 Section 4: Application Contents
DOE has prepared two templates to provide applicants with a preview of the information they may be asked to provide in their application:
1. Equipment Rebate Application Template
2. Technical Assistance Application Template
The templates are intended for informational purposes only and may be subject to change.
The templates are a planning tool, not an application. Final equipment rebate and technical assistance voucher applications will be submitted to the Equipment Rebate and Technical Assistance Administrators through a separate portal. Eligible entities will be notified when the final equipment rebate and technical assistance applications are available.
As outlined in the templates linked above, applications for equipment rebates and technical assistance vouchers will consist of the following components:
A. Recipient Information: collects key information about the applicant.
B. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS): outlines how the equipment rebate or technical assistance voucher aligns with the applicant’s broader energy and climate goals. For more information on the EECS, see Section 6.3.C. of the EECBG Program Application Instructions. T he EECS can draw on existing plans related to energy, sustainability or climate planning etc. Applicants pursuing both an equipment rebate and technical assistance voucher may use the same EECS for both applications. The EECS can be completed as part of the voucher application or attached to the application.
C. Equipment Rebate and/or Technical Assistance Application: collects information specific to proposed technical assistance or equipment rebate activities. Applicants pursuing both an equipment rebate and technical assistance voucher will need to complete both components.
D. Authorized Applicant Signatures
E. Terms and Conditions: provides the applicant with a copy of the terms and conditions of the award with the option to sign as part of the application or download and submit at a later date.
EECBG Program Voucher Handbook
January 2024
14 Section 5: Reporting Requirements
Voucher recipients are required to report certain information in accordance with national policy and as outlined in other EECBG Program materials including Part V of the Administrative and Legal Requirements Document and Part 8 of the Application Instructions. While all voucher recipients are required to report on their activities, these requirements differ for technical assistance vouchers and equipment rebates.
The sections below outline specific reporting requirements and background on compliance with national policies, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Davis-Bacon Act (DBA), and Build America, Buy America Act (BABA).
Equipment Rebate Reporting Requirements
The table below outlines required reporting elements for equipment rebate recipients.
Report Frequency Contents
Installation Report (Tangible
Personal Property Report SF-
428)
One-time Established in award Terms and Conditions, may include but not limited to:
• Receipts for equipment ($5,000 or more
value) and supply (less than $5,000 value)
purchases
• Invoices for installation
• Photos of installation
• Location information
Davis-Bacon Act Reporting* Weekly and
Semi-Annual
Wage reports as required by the Davis-Bacon Act6
NEPA Logs* Quarterly NEPA reporting for any ground-disturbing activities
NEPA Historic Preservation
Reports*
Annual Historic preservation reports for entities located in a jurisdiction with a DOE Historic Preservation
Programmatic Agreement7
Performance and Financial
Report (SF-425)
Annual Established in award Terms and Conditions, may
include but not limited to:
• SF-425
• Activity status
• Milestones
• Financial metrics
• Process metrics
• Qualitative description of activities
Closeout Report One-time Established in award Terms and Conditions, may include but not limited to the contents of the
Annual Performance and Financial Report (above).
Location Report One-time Identifies physical locations of activities *These reports may not be required in all circumstances.
6 For more information on Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements, see Part V.D.5. of the Administrative and Legal Requirements Document.
7 NEPA Historic Preservation Reports are only required for entities located in a jurisdiction with an executed DOE Historic Preservation Programmatic Agreement.
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15 A more detailed description of reporting requirements will be included in the terms and conditions of the equipment rebate and Federal Assistance Reporting Checklist (FARC). The eligible entity receiving the equipment rebate is responsible for submitting reports in accordance with the terms and conditions of their award.
Annual reports are due to DOE no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. If the period of performance does not exceed one year, then a single report may be filed no later than 90 calendar days after the period of performance end date. The equipment rebate recipient must submit a final report no later than 90 calendar days after the period of performance end date.
Technical Assistance Voucher Reporting Requirements
The table below outlines required reporting elements for technical assistance voucher recipients.
Report Frequency Contents
Performance Report Annual Established in award Terms and Conditions, may include but not limited to:
• Activity status
• Milestones
• Financial metrics
• Process metrics
• Qualitative description
Closeout Report One-time Established in award Terms and Conditions, may include but not limited to the contents of the
Annual Performance Report (above).
Technical assistance voucher reports will be submitted to DOE in accordance with the reporting frequency outlined above. Annual reports are due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period.
If the period of performance does not exceed one year, then a single report may be filed no later than 90 calendar days after the period of performance end date. A final report must be submitted no later than 90 calendar days after the period of performance end date.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Equipment rebate recipients are required to complete include a signed NEPA Statement of Work (SOW) with their application. Standardized Statements of Work are available on the EECBG Program website for equipment rebate recipients. Applicants should refer to these Statements of Work and select the one that is most appropriate for their application. Additional information on NEPA requirements can be found in the EECBG Program Application Instructions.
Recipients may contact the NEPA team with any additional questions concerning reporting here.
Davis-Bacon Act (DBA)
Equipment rebate recipients are required to complete an assurance letter certifying that all laborers and mechanics employed by the applicant in the performance of construction, alteration, or repair work funded by EECBG Program funds are paid wages at rates no less than those prevailing on similar projects in the locality, as determined by the Secretary of Labor. This assurance letter is built into the equipment rebate application. Local wage determinations can be found by using this E-Tool.
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16 Recipients of EECBG Program equipment rebates are required to undergo DBA compliance training and to maintain competency in DBA compliance. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) offers free Prevailing Wage Seminars several times a year that meet this requirement which can be found here.
For additional guidance on how to comply with the Davis-Bacon Act requirements, please see the DOL’s DBA overview and DBA applicable project guidance as well as Section D Part 5 of the EECBG Program Administrative and Legal Requirements Document.
Build America, Buy America (BABA)
Equipment rebate recipients with awards greater than $250,000 are required to comply with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA). Federally assisted projects which involve infrastructure work require that all iron, steel, and manufactured products used in the infrastructure work are produced in the United States and that all construction materials used in the infrastructure work are manufactured in the United States.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the BABA Guidance and Resources to determine whether their project may have to apply this requirement, both to make an early determination as to the need of a waiver, as well as to determine what impact, if any, this requirement may have on the proposed project’s budget. BABA waivers can be obtained due to nonavailability and unreasonable costs. A list of DOE BABA waiver requests can be found here. Applicants are encouraged to review this list to determine if there are any existing waiver requests relevant to their application.
Please note that on July 28, 2023, DOE released a General Applicability Public Interest Waiver for Build America, Buy America Act equipment purchasing requirements that exempts entities with EECBG Program formula allocations totaling $250,000 from BABA requirements.