Communications Standards Updates: Notices of Funding Opportunities

Notifications about changes made to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's (EERE's) communications standards will be posted regularly, highlighting the latest updates to the EERE Communication Standards and Guidelines website and important pages to note.

Today, we’re looking at new guidance around financial assistance awards, particularly notices of funding opportunity (NOFOs).  

What Is a NOFO?

On Oct. 1, 2024, DOE funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) are retired in accordance with the OMB update to the Uniform Guidance: Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations. DOE is now issuing notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and base funding. (Internal users, see FAIT Templates & Guidance (sharepoint.com).

How Will This Change Affect My Announcement?

In addition to using the new terminology, OMB's Uniform Guidance 2024 Revision updates grant announcement guidance, stating that agencies should:

• Make every effort to identify all eligible applicants in their announcements (e.g., different types of nonprofit organizations, such as labor unions and tribal organizations).
• Use plain language that is accessible to eligible applicants, with a special focus on reaching underserved communities. Announcements should be made as clear and concise as possible by limiting the length and complexity of the grant, including only necessary information by:
  • Linking to required information, such as award terms or conditions, which is now permitted instead of writing out the full language in the NOFO.
  • Including links to relevant regulations, other sources, and cross-references between sections where applicable.
• Follow the updated NOFO template, including: 
  • A new executive summary that is "written in plain language and summarizes the goals and objectives of the program, the target audience, and eligible recipients."
  • A clear program description that provides information on the expected outcomes of the grant, information on submission requirements and deadlines, an explanation on the grant application review process, and details on the grant reporting requirements.

Additionally, the revised guidance allows agencies to translate grant notices or other documents into another language to better serve eligible applicants.

How Will This Affect Past Announcements?

Past announcements using the FOA language can maintain this language. No action is necessary for existing FOAs, but previous FOA templates should not be used for NOFOs.

Questions?           

If you have any questions or suggestions related to EERE's communications standards, please email the EERE Comms Standards Team.