Smart Grid Competitive Grant Funding: Helios Process Outline

April 6^th, 2009

The following is a general overview of stimulus funding opportunities and an outline of the process being employed by Helios to secure stimulus funds.

Overview of Stimulus Opportunity -
As part of the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009", the Department of Energy (DOE) will receive more than $38 billion to support a number of science, energy, and environmental initiatives - including $4.5 billion for DOE's "smart grid" competitive grants.

In a special report issued on March 25, 2009, the DOE Inspector General set forth "lessons learned" and suggested approaches to reduce risk and manage unprecedented levels of Recovery funding. The report states that "the infusion of these [stimulus] funds and the corresponding increase in effort required to ensure that they are properly controlled and disbursed in a timely manner will, without doubt, strain existing resources."

This provides an opportunity for partners with good programs that meet Administration goals to secure federal support, while giving success stories that can be touted by the Administration. The DOE uses contracts, including numerous subcontracts, as the primary mechanism for accomplishing about 90% of its mission.

Given the immensity of this effort, there are those in Congress and the public that have strong feelings regarding this approach who will intensely scrutinize the use of recovery funds. In this politically charged environment, it is incumbent on federal program managers to find and fund quality programs that can shine as "examples of excellence" for public recognition.

Approach for Stimulus Funding -
In seeking stimulus funds for "smart grid" competitive grants, Helios suggests the approach below. However, since the development and release of these program funds are in the process of being refined we continue to monitor DOE activities and adjust our approach accordingly.

The following is a list of key target dates:

May 3 - Federal agencies to make Performance Plans publicly available and begin reporting on allocations for entitlement programs;
May 15 - Detailed agency financial reports become available;
May 20 - Federal agencies begin reporting their competitive grants and contracts; and
July 15 - Recipients of federal funds begin reporting on their use of the funds.

In general new programs require a public notice, comment period, rulemaking and issuance of program solicitation guiding interested applicants on the criteria and process for seeking the desired funds - as will be the case for the "smart grid" program.

To position competitive applications for these funds, Helios will:

Promptly work with clients to get them registered as qualified federal grant recipients by:

Securing a DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System) number;
Registering with grants.gov; and
Registering with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) http://www.ccr.gov/.

Keep clients apprised of key programs and dates of interest throughout the program development process;
Work with DOE's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability to secure funds for clients through the "smart grid" competitive grants program by:

Developing briefing and summary materials for federal program managers and other key officials at the DOE;
Organizing and conducting visits with federal program officials;
Identifying and providing regular reports and updates on federal program solicitations relevant to client's proposed project;
Analyzing the terms and conditions associated with the DOE program;
Assisting clients in preparing funding applications to meet required federal contract requirements; and
Following the federal programs from the award, release and reporting of funds.

Investigate and develop strategic partnerships with educational institutions, interested trade associations in other industries and utility partners to support client efforts; and
Organize, schedule and staff potential Congressional meetings to raise awareness and encourage support of client initiatives.

Throughout this process, Helios seeks to help to position clients in manner that makes federal project managers confident and secure in investing in program partners and, if necessary, back that up with Congressional support.