Funding-Limited Submission - U.S. Department of Energy - Solar Decathlon 2015 (DE-FOA-0000959); November 21, 2013

Through The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015 Funding Opportunity Announcement, the Department of Energy challenges 20 domestic and international affiliated collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost effective, energy-efficient, and attractive in less than 24 months.  The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.

The purposes of the Solar Decathlon are to:

• Educate students and the public about the money-saving opportunities and environmental benefits presented by clean-energy products and design solutions.
• Demonstrate to the public the comfort and affordability of homes that combine energy-efficient construction and appliances with renewable-energy systems available today.
• Provide participating students with unique training that prepares them to enter our nation’s clean-energy workforce.

Cost Share Requirement: 50% of total project costs.

See the complete solicitation for additional details and requirements:  https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx?Search=solar%20decathlon&SearchType=#FoaIdf1d3ce67-c2fd-4737-b7fa-47363d656c75

Limited Submission:  Applicants may only submit one Full Application for consideration under this competition. This limitation does not prohibit an applicant from collaborating on other applications (e.g., as a potential Subrecipient or partner) so long as the entity is only listed as the Prime Applicant on one Full Application.

Because the Department of Energy only allows an applicant to submit one full application, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process.  Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following materials electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at limitedsubmissions@uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Thursday, November 21, 2013:

· Names and departments of the UK Project Director, key personnel and project partners

· Title of the program and/or funding opportunity announcement number

· Project overview (2 pages maximum)

· A budget with cost share and potential sources of funding for that cost share. Note:  Because of ongoing commitments, the Office of the Vice President for Research is unable to provide matching funds.

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make a recommendation as to the University’s applicant. Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).

The Department of Energy deadline is December 20, 2013.