For the challenges they faced, EERE officers turned to their military history to help them. They identified risks and created specialized teams 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. Today, EERE is one of the top-performing nonprofits in the world. This article will explain their mission and request for funding.
EERE's mission
The federal Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is charged with making America a world leader in clean energy. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) has set ambitious clean energies goals and laid out a plan to reach them. To achieve its goals, the agency is focusing its resources on a small number of "high-probability pathways" that can have the biggest impact.
The organization's mission is to develop innovative energy-saving technologies and policies that reduce the risks associated with emerging approaches and technologies. EERE issues Funding Opportunity Announcements in support of these efforts. EERE's preferred clients are electric utility interests and environmentalists. Sometimes, it works with manufacturers to develop energy-efficiency policies and standards. The Obama Administration created regional standards for appliance efficiency. This was one example of such collaboration.
Over the years, EERE has seen its funding increase. With a budget more than $200 million higher than all other DOE-applicable offices, EERE is now the Department's largest energy research and development office. It's therefore important to oversee the work of EERE. The focus of today's hearing seems misguided.
Request for funding by EERE
The FY2017 funding request to EERE includes $2.9B in discretionary funding as well as $1.3B in mandatory funding. This is a rise of $2.2 billion (104%) over FY2016's enacted $2.1 billion level. However, EERE is not expected to be a significant participant in the projects that it supports.
This request is open to domestic and international entities. If the project involves a cooperative agreement, then the Prime Recipient must incorporate in the United States. This determination will take into account the eligibility of the Prime Receiver, the representative and the ownership rights to intellectual property.
In its funding request, the Obama Administration is encouraging the development of innovative technologies for renewable energy efficiency. The Obama Administration also seeks to establish national clean energy innovation alliances throughout the United States in order to accelerate the development next-generation clean electricity technology pathways.
EERE's deadline to allocate funds
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included a provision within the EERE that established the timeline for funding allocation and expenditure. 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 were intended to create jobs long-term and boost the economy.
The EERE team reviewed existing processes and decided to create a centralized reporting process. Before, teams reported to their respective technology development managers. They would then share the relevant project data with top stakeholders. They developed a process that allowed for central reporting. It included requirements for sharing information and guidelines on how to measure success.
A project may have more than one budget period. This means that funds may be allocated to more than one project.