DOE Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals Notice of Funding Opportunity

FUNDING PROGRAM: DOE Sustainable Propane and Renewable Chemicals (SPARC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NUMBER: DE-FOA-0003518.

FUNDING AGENCIES: United States Department of Energy (DOE) Golden Field Office.

OPPORTUNITY:

This NOFO supports the research and development of domestic chemicals and fuels from various biomass and waste resources. Producing chemicals and propane/liquid petroleum gas (LPG) from renewable feedstocks helps to safeguard domestic supply chains, secure energy independence, support rural economies, and improve the global competitiveness of the industry.

DESCRIPTION:

This NOFO contains two topics:

1. Topic Area 1: Bio-based Chemicals. This Topic Area will support the development and adoption of new production methods for value-added chemicals from biomass.
2. Topic Area 2: Bio-based Propane/LPG. This Topic Area seeks to pursue new pathways for the production of sustainable liquefied propane and/or petroleum gases from a variety of feedstocks, including municipal waste, agricultural residues, forest resources, fats, oils, and grease.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: 

• For profit organizations other than small businesses
• Special district governments
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• State governments
• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Small businesses
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Individuals
• Private institutions of higher education
• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Independent school districts

COST SHARING: 

The cost share must be at least 20% of the total project costs for research and development unless otherwise specified. Tribes and Tribal Nation applicants are required to provide only a minimum 10% cost share.

FUNDING AVAILABLE:

• FUNDING AVAILABILITY: Up to $23 million.
• INDIVIDUAL AWARD AMOUNTS: Award Ceiling: $2,500,000; Award Floor: $1,000,000.

APPLICATION WINDOW: 

• Submission Deadline for Concept Paper: March 14, 2025.
• Submission Deadline for Applications: May 30, 2025.