Learn how you can apply for funding opportunities, tax credits, and rebates
This guide explains the steps needed to get started on a funding application. Learn what types of opportunities MESC offers and become familiar with the statuses on the funding page.
Apply to funding opportunities
Each funding opportunity is labeled as either a FOA or a PIA on the funding page. Read more about the application process in the expandable sections below.
Step 1
Create an account with Infrastructure eXCHANGE
It is recommended that each organization or business unit, whether acting as a team or a single entity, uses only one account as the contact point for each submission. If you have questions or technical difficulties with a submission, contact the Infrastructure eXCHANGE helpdesk. You can read more in our User Guide for Applicants.
Step 2
Register with the System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant (unless excepted under 2 CFR 25.110) needs to register in SAM to obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI) before submitting an application. This account needs to be maintained with up-to-date information in order for an award to be made. If an applicant has not fully complied with these requirements by the time DOE is ready to make a federal award, then the applicant will not receive a federal award. Designating an Electronic Business Point of Contact and obtaining a special password called a Marketing Partner ID Number (MPIN) are important steps in SAM registration.
Due to the high number of UEI requests and SAM registrations, entity legal business name and address validations are taking longer than expected to process. Entities should start the UEI and SAM registration process as soon as possible. If entities have technical difficulties with the UEI validation or SAM registration process, they should use the HELP feature on SAM.gov. SAM.gov will address service tickets in the order in which they are received and asks that entities not create multiple service tickets for the same request or technical issue. More entity validation resources can be found here: GSAFSD Tier 0 Knowledge Base - Validating your Entity.
Step 3
Register with Grants.gov
To receive email updates on FOA amendments, applicants must register with Grants.gov. Please note that applications will not be accepted through Grants.gov.
Step 4
Submit your application by following the links on the funding page
Applying to a Funding Opportunity Announcement is a multi-step process that can take several weeks. Please review the relevant Funding Notice on the Infrastructure eXCHANGE for all submission deadlines and resources.
Step 1
Create an account with ENERGYWERX
Join the ENERGYWERX ecosystem to receive notifications and updates about funding opportunities. It is recommended that each organization or business unit, whether acting as a team or a single entity, uses only one account as the contact point for each submission. If you have any questions, please contact ENERGYWERX.
Step 2
Start your application by following the links on the funding page
You can find applications for MESC funding opportunities using the link below. The application type will be listed as PIA if you need to apply through ENERGYWERX. Click the Apply Now button to start your application. When applying through ENERGYWERX, pay close attention to all of the provided instructions as they vary per funding opportunity.
Apply for tax credits and rebates
Follow the instructions within the portals to apply.
The 48C credit is a tax credit for investments in advanced energy projects, as defined in 26 USC § 48C(c)(1). The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, in partnership with DOE, have announced up to $6 billion in a second round of tax credit allocations for projects that expand clean energy manufacturing and recycling and critical materials refining, processing, and recycling, and for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions at industrial facilities. MESC manages the 48C(e) program on behalf of IRS and Treasury.
Eligible Projects under 48C:
- Clean Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Projects
- Industrial Decarbonization Projects (formerly named Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Projects)
- Critical Materials Projects
The Energy Efficient Transformer Rebate Program and Extended Product System Rebate Program support the installation of energy efficient distribution transformers and extended product systems that use equipment with electric motors, such as pumps, air compressors, and fans. The rebate programs aim to help domestic manufacturers, utilities, tribes, hospitals, schools, and other operators finance equipment upgrades, which will conserve energy and reduce costs while slashing greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors of the economy.
How to navigate the funding page
The funding page is home to all of MESC’s funding opportunities, tax credits, rebates, requests for information, notices of intent, and selections. All of these items can be filtered by content type, status, funding source, and program area. By default, funding opportunities that are open for applications will be listed on the top of the page and will clearly be marked as "Open". To learn more about what you can find on the funding page, explore the expandable list below.
Requests for Information (RFIs) represent the initial fact-finding and need-identifying phase of the process. MESC values the public’s input and periodically announces RFIs to collect information about market dynamics, test program design concepts, and more. While we may ask many questions, as a general rule, you can feel free to submit responses to those questions that are most relevant to your perspective and expertise. Perspectives supported by facts and evidence will carry the most weight among submissions.
Statuses Include:
Open: Public can submit input
In Review: Input is under consideration
Closed: Next steps have been taken; process is complete
A Notice of Intent (NOI) serves as a hypothetical heads-up for applicants to better understand MESC’s areas of interest for a potential funding opportunity, though one is not guaranteed. NOIs do not have a deadline, and applicants do not have to take any required action.
There are two types of funding opportunities: Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) and Partnership Intermediary Agreements (PIAs). You can apply to FOAs through the Infrastructure eXCHANGE. PIAs can be accessed through ENERGYWERX. The funding page will take you to the correct site.
Statuses include:
Open: Open for applications
In Review: No longer open for application; MESC is reviewing submitted applications
Selected: MESC has selected applicants as potential awardees. Applicants will undergo negotiation
Tax credits that MESC manages can have these statuses:
Open: Open for applications
In Review: No longer open for application; MESC is reviewing submitted applications
Closed: No longer active
Rebates that MESC manages can have these statuses:
Open: Open for applications
In Review: No longer open for application; MESC is reviewing submitted applications
Closed: No longer active