Explore tips for planning ahead when applying for DOE grants, key DOE offices, funding mechanisms, UW-specific guidance, and templates to help you prepare a competitive and compliant proposal.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Thinking of Applying for a DOE Grant?
DOE Grant Planning
Pre-Planning Guide for UW–Madison PIs
Applying for funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)—including ARPA-E, EERE, and the Office of Science—can be a great opportunity to advance impactful, high-risk research. But DOE proposals often come with complex and program-specific requirements. Early planning and coordination with your research administrator is essential.
1. Start with the FOA
Each DOE program has its own rules for proposal structure, page limits, attachments, and submission systems (like PAMS, EERE eXCHANGE, or Grants.gov).
Tip: Download and review the entire FOA early, even if you’re a co-PI.
2. Know What May Be Required
- Technical narrative (“Technical Volume”)
- Letters of Intent (LOIs) or concept papers
- Budget justification in DOE-specific format
- Business Assurances Form
- Current & Pending Support (with signed certification)
- Biosketches or CVs (not always in NSF/NIH format)
Note: Some programs require plain-language resumes or custom templates. Check the FOA closely.
4. Plan for the Business Assurances Form
- Clarify which sections are completed by the PI, research admin, or central offices
- Check for signature or institutional authorization requirements early
5. Work With Your Research Administrator Early
- Interpret FOA requirements
- Develop and format the budget
- Coordinate subawards
- Route the proposal in RAMP
Note: RSP handles final submission, but research administrators handle budget prep and internal routing.
6. Build In Enough Time
- RAMP entry & approvals: Start at least 10–14 business days before the deadline
- RSP review: Submit materials at least 5 business days in advance
- Start earlier if subawards, letters of support, or cost-share are involved
Need Help?
DOE Research Security Overview
Overview of research security policies and disclosure requirements for DOE-funded projects, including foreign collaborations and transparency guidance.
Major DOE Offices & Funding Portals
- ARPA-E: The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) advances high-potential, high-impact energy technologies that are too early for private-sector investment. ARPA-E awardees are unique because they are developing entirely new ways to generate, store, and use energy. For information on ARPA-E’s current FOAs and detailed information on the ARPA-E funding application process, use the ARPA-E funding portal
- Office of Science: DOE’s Office of Science is the nation’s largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences and is a major supporter of research in such key scientific fields as physics, materials science, computing, and chemistry. It is the lead federal agency supporting fundamental scientific research related to energy. Information on DOE’s Office of Science funding opportunities can be found here.
- Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE): The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy program invests in research and development to lower the cost of clean energy technologies, protect the private sector from financial risk, and ensure an equitable transition to a decarbonized economy. Funding is awarded through an open, competitive process hosted primarily on the EERE Funding Opportunity eXCHANGE.
- Information and funding opportunities from other DOE offices can be found on the DOE website.
Templates & Resources
Data Management and Sharing Plan
-
- To develop your Data Management and Sharing Plan (DMSP), UW-Madison’s Research Data Services (RDS) is a free resource for anyone on the UW-Madison campus that provides consultations, best practice information, and education and training on research data management and sharing. They assist with making your data citable, open, and publicly accessible.
- We also encourage researchers to use the DMPTool (Data Management Plan Tool), an online application that provides templates to create tailored data management plans. It includes step-by-step guidance for each section of the plan. Researchers can log in using their wisc.edu e-mail and view other Plans created by other UW-Madison PIs.
-
- Other UW-Madison Resources:
PIER Plan
DOE Early Career Resources
If you’re looking to apply for an early career grant with the Department of Energy, below is a link for you to learn more about DOE early career funding, as well as a list of the resources SRH has prepared for this program. One-on-one consultations and direct assistance in proposal development are also available, including document review and editing, graphics, research administrative and proposal submission coordination. Please note that availability may vary based on demand and scheduling.
- DOE Letter of Collaborations or Access
- DOE Equipment
- DOE Facilities & Resources Single Investigator
- DOE Transparency of Foreign Connections. The DOE requires disclosure of foreign connections to ensure transparency. They provide a template for this purpose, which includes sections for disclosure and certification.