Spurring Projects To Advance Energy Research And Knowledge Swiftly (SPARKS)
This funding opportunity supports innovative research projects aimed at developing transformative energy technologies that can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
The "Spurring Projects to Advance Energy Research and Knowledge Swiftly" (SPARKS) program, as described in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) from the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), is a funding opportunity designed to support early-stage applied research for transformative energy technologies. The FOA invites Concept Papers from applicants proposing innovative concepts with the potential to revolutionize energy-related fields, providing an opportunity for groundbreaking research that could lead to new learning curves or disruption in current markets. This FOA seeks to identify projects that aim to significantly reduce U.S. energy consumption, improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or enhance the resilience and security of energy infrastructure. Concepts that focus on novel solutions, distinct from current technologies or incremental improvements, are encouraged. The awards, capped at $500,000 per project, are meant to support proof-of-concept research or exploratory work that could lead to larger, focused energy technology programs. Eligible applicants include individuals, domestic entities such as for-profits, educational institutions, nonprofits, and foreign entities. However, all work must be performed in the U.S. unless a waiver is granted. Special attention is given to small businesses and consortia, including foreign participants, that can form partnerships to submit proposals. The funding mechanisms for SPARKS are primarily grants, with ARPA-E expecting to award cost-reimbursable and fixed-amount grants. For-profit large businesses are required to provide 20% of the project cost as cost-sharing. Nonprofit and small business applicants are exempt from cost-sharing requirements. The process begins with the submission of a Concept Paper, limited to four pages, which will be evaluated based on criteria such as the impact, innovation, and feasibility of the proposed project. Those whose papers are deemed meritorious may be invited to submit a Full Application. ARPA-E’s merit review process includes technical evaluations by subject matter experts and ensures that the proposed technologies align with the agency’s goals. This FOA remains open continuously, with ARPA-E accepting Concept Papers at any time until the opportunity is closed or modified. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to ARPA-E Program Directors for guidance prior to submission.
Award Range
Not specified - $500,000
Total Program Funding
$10,000,000
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
Yes - Match Required.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS 1. INDIVIDUALS U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply for funding in their individual capacity as a Standalone Applicant,10 as the lead for a Project Team,11 or as a member of a Project Team. However, ARPA-E will only award funding to an entity formed by the Applicant. 2. DOMESTIC ENTITIES For-profit entities12, educational institutions13, and nonprofits14 that are incorporated in the United States, including U.S. territories, are eligible to apply for funding as a Standalone Applicant, as the lead organization for a Project Team, or as a member of a Project Team. FFRDCs/DOE Labs are eligible to apply for funding as the lead organization for a Project Team or as a member of a Project Team that includes institutions of higher education, companies, research foundations, or trade and industry research collaborations, but not as a Standalone Applicant. State, local, and tribal government entities are eligible to apply for funding as a member of a Project Team, but not as a Standalone Applicant or as the lead organization for a Project Team. Federal agencies and instrumentalities (other than DOE) are eligible to apply for funding as a member of a Project Team, but not as a Standalone Applicant or as the lead organization for a Project Team. 3. FOREIGN ENTITIES Foreign entities, whether for-profit or otherwise, are eligible to apply for funding as Standalone Applicants, as the lead organization for a Project Team, or as a member of a Project Team. Foreign entities must designate in the Full Application a subsidiary or affiliate incorporated (or otherwise formed or to be formed) under the laws of a State or territory of the United States to receive funding. The Full Application must state the nature of the corporate relationship between the foreign entity and domestic subsidiary or affiliate. All work under the ARPA-E award must be performed in the United States. The Applicant may request a waiver of this requirement in the Business Assurances & Disclosures Form, which is submitted with the Full Application. 4. CONSORTIUM ENTITIES Consortia, which may include domestic and foreign entities, must designate one member of the consortium as the consortium representative to the Project Team. The consortium representative must be incorporated in the United States. The eligibility of the consortium will be determined by reference to the eligibility of the consortium representative under Section III.A.4 of the FOA. Each consortium must have an internal governance structure and a written set of internal rules. Upon request, the consortium entity must provide a written description of its internal governance structure and its internal rules to the Contracting Officer (ARPA-ECO@hq.doe.gov). Unincorporated consortia must provide the Contracting Officer with a collaboration agreement, commonly referred to as the articles of collaboration, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of each consortium member. This collaboration agreement binds the individual consortium members together and shall include the consortium's: • Management structure; • Method of making payments to consortium members; • Means of ensuring and overseeing members' efforts on the project; • Provisions for members' cost sharing contributions; and • Provisions for ownership and rights in intellectual property developed previously or under the agreement.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
November 9, 2023
Application Closes
September 30, 2029
Grantor
ARPA-E CO
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