On August 31, 2018, the Department of Energy (DOE) withdrew a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) seeking applications for funding to conduct research on advanced systems to integrate solar resources into the electric grid.
The FOA was issued on April 17, 2018, and funding applications were due on July 5, 2018. A total of 92 applications were received and reviewed by DOE staff, who conducted in-person merit reviews in late August 2018. Following the reviews, the FOA was withdrawn at the request of DOE's then Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Cathy Tripodi. No explanation was given for the withdrawal. Applicants were told that a new FOA for the same topic would be issued in September 2018 and that they would have to reapply for funding at that time.
Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act indicate that, prior to withdrawal of the FOA, DOE had spent approximately $1 million preparing the announcement and reviewing applications. In addition, each applicant had likely spent tens of thousands of dollars preparing their applications, and performing related work.