Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Transitions, Partnership Intermediary Agreements (PIAs) are agreements between the Federal government and non-Federal partners designed to increase outreach to and engagement with small businesses, institutes of higher education, and non-traditional partners.
PIAs are best utilized when traditional mechanisms do not provide adequate outreach or engagement with non-traditional contractors, or when providing additional flexibility and reducing barriers to entry to such entities is necessary. Learn more about PIAs and how they work.
The DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) has funded several PIAs that are managed by ENERGYWERX:
Equitable Solar Communities of Practice
Announced in November 2023, the Equitable Solar Communities of Practice program provides $375,000 to support the expansion of equitable benefits in solar adoption. This program selected five organizations to identify resource gaps, support the development and dissemination of best practices, and identify and propose new resources, tools, and technical assistance offerings needed to scale equitable solar.
i2X Innovative Queue Management Solutions (iQMS) for Clean Energy Interconnection and Energization
Announced in January 2025, the Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) iQMS for Clean Energy Interconnection and Energization program provides up to $11.2 million to distribution utilities to pilot innovative software solutions for managing renewable energy and electric vehicle charging interconnection and energization queues.
Renewables Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP)
Announced in September 2023, DOE’s R-STEP program provides $22 million to support the creation of new, or the expansion of existing, state-based programs or initiatives that improve renewable energy planning and siting processes for local communities. This effort accelerates renewable energy deployment by supporting the establishment of more predictable, community-oriented, and science-based siting processes for renewable energy developers and permitting authorities.
Learn more about open funding opportunities and current funding programs from the Solar Energy Technologies Office.