For help with their pressures, EERE leaders turned to their military experience. They identified and organized teams that focused on specific projects and goals. While military-style approaches to management are not appropriate for every situation, they were able help EERE through the toughest times. They were also successful in achieving many of their goals. EERE is today one of the most successful nonprofits in the country. This article will provide information about their mission, funding requests, and other details.
EERE's mission
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy(EERE) is a federal government agency that has been charged with making America a worldwide leader in clean and sustainable energy. The Office has set ambitious clean energy goals and a roadmap for how to achieve them. The agency will focus its resources on the few "high-probability paths" that have the greatest impact to achieve its goals.
The organization's mission consists of developing innovative energy-saving technology and policies to reduce risks associated with emerging technologies. EERE releases Funding Opportunity Announcements that support these efforts. EERE is a preferred client of electric utility interests as well as environmentalists. It sometimes collaborates with manufacturers in order to implement energy efficiency standards and policies. This collaboration included the creation of regional appliances efficiency standards under Obama Administration.
EERE's funding levels have grown over the years. It is now one of the largest Department applied energy research development offices with a budget exceeding $200 million. This is in addition to all other DOE applications offices. It's crucial to keep an eye on EERE’s activities. The focus of today's hearing seems misguided.
Request for funding to EERE
The funding request for EERE for FY2017 includes $2.9 billion in discretionary funding and $1.3 billion in mandatory funding. This is a rise of $2.2 billion (104%) over FY2016's enacted $2.1 billion level. However, EERE will not be involved in any of the projects it supports.
The request is open to both domestic and foreign entities. If the project is a cooperative agreement, the Prime Recipient must be incorporated in the United States. This determination will be based on the eligibility of the Prime Recipient, the representative, and the ownership of intellectual property rights.
The Obama Administration requested funding for innovative technologies in renewable energy efficiency. It also seeks regional partnerships for clean energy innovation throughout the United States, to help accelerate the development new-generation clean power technology pathways.
The deadline for EERE to allocate funds
A provision in the EERE of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), established the timeframe for the allocation and spending of funds. As part of the ARRA, the EERE office was required to announce grant programs within 18 months, solicit applications, perform merit reviews, negotiate grants and distribute the funds. These initiatives had two goals: to create long-term job opportunities and boost the economy.
The EERE staff reviewed existing processes, and decided to implement a centralized report process. Previously, teams would report to individual technology development managers who would then share relevant project data with senior stakeholders. They developed a process that allowed for central reporting. It included requirements for sharing information and guidelines on how to measure success.
An EERE might have multiple budget periods for a project. This means that the funds allocated to one award may be used for more than one project.