Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), advocating for a streamlined application process and a deadline extension on proposal submissions for the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program.
As the co-lead of the Grid Innovation Caucus, Strickland notes that the present deadline date of January 12, 2024 is unfeasible for many program applicants, only allowing for a two-month window between when the funding opportunity announcement (FOA) became public and when applications are due.
This narrow time-frame is not equitable – hampering smaller entities from participating in the GRIP Program and results in reinforcing another barrier to improving the nation’s grid system.
The full letter can be found at this link and below.
Ms. Maria Robinson
Director of the Grid Deployment Office
U.S. Department of Energy
1000 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20585
Dear Director Robinson:
As a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the Democratic Co-Chair of the Grid Innovation Caucus, I respectfully request that the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Grid Deployment Office (GDO) extend the January 12, 2024, application deadline for the funding opportunity announcement (FOA) related to the second round of grants of the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program. The FOA was released on November 14, 2023, and concept papers are due by January 12, 2024.
The two-month window provided, which overlaps the holiday season, risks excluding concepts from entities that do not have the personnel, business networks, or resources to compile a submission that quickly. Additionally, I ask that GDO provide greater flexibility and guidance to eligible applicants to ensure the best possible benefits are realized by these investments.
As you are aware, your office has been tasked with administering the $10.5 billion GRIP Program to advance grid flexibility and strengthen power system and community resilience against climate change and other man-made threats. If implemented properly, this program is an excellent opportunity to elevate forward-thinking strategies and invest in innovative technologies which will bolster our nation’s grid. Strengthening the grid is essential for the ongoing transition for a cleaner, more secure, and more energy-efficient future.
I understand GDO has taken steps to amplify awareness of the FOA, including hosting a public webinar on November 20, 2023. However, through recent conversations with electric power stakeholders and potential applicants, it was brought to my attention that the FOA’s short timeline is a significant barrier for those eligible entities interested in putting forward a successful concept paper.
This tight deadline is further complicated by the lack of DOE clarity on the GRIP Program itself. Entities are telling us they would appreciate more insight around the department’s vison for the program as well as guidance around conflicting policies. Furthermore, entities want a clearer and more streamlined submission process, both for concept papers as well as for selected applicants. Again, these concerns are exacerbated with such a tight FOA submission deadline. I urge your department to extend the deadline to April 1, 2024.
Thank you for your timely consideration of this matter. I look forward to working with you to address these issues so that the GRIP Program investments can become true benefits.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Strickland
Member of Congress