EERE executives turned to their military background to deal with the pressures they faced. They recognized risks and set up specialized teams to accomplish specific goals and projects. Although military-style managerial approaches may not be appropriate for every situation they helped EERE to survive. They also achieved many of their goals. EERE is today one of the most successful nonprofits in the country. This article will explain their mission and request for funding.
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 created a roadmap and set ambitious clean-energy goals. To achieve its goals, the agency is focusing its resources on a small number of "high-probability pathways" that can have the biggest impact.
This organization has the mission to develop energy-saving technologies and policies that lower the risk associated with new approaches and technologies. EERE posts Funding Opportunity Announcements to help these efforts. EERE has a preference for clients that include environmentalists and electric utility interests. It may collaborate with manufacturers to establish energy-efficiency standards. One example was the Obama Administration's creation of regional efficiency standards for appliances.
The funding levels for EERE have increased 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. As such, it is crucial to ensure that EERE's work is monitored. However, it seems that the hearing's focus is misguided.
Request for funding from 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 doesn't expect to have a large involvement in the projects it funds.
This request is open to domestic and international entities. The Prime Recipient must also be an American citizen if the project is a cooperative arrangement. This determination will be made based on the eligibility criteria of the Prime Recipient, representative and ownership of intellectual property rights.
In its funding request, the Obama Administration is encouraging the development of innovative technologies for 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.
Deadline for EERE funds allocation
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or ARRA, included a clause in the EERE which sets the timeline and how funds will be spent. The ARRA required that the EERE offices announce grant programs within a period of 18 months. They were also required to solicit applications, conduct merit review, negotiate grants, distribute funds, and notify applicants. These initiatives were intended to create jobs long-term and boost the economy.
The EERE group reviewed the existing processes and determined that a centralized reporting structure was needed. Previously, teams were responsible for reporting to technology development managers. These managers would then share pertinent project data with senior executives. They developed a process for central reporting that included guidelines for measuring performance and requirements for sharing data.
An EERE might have multiple budget periods for a project. This means that funds allocated to one award can be used for multiple projects.