EERE executives turned to their military background to deal with the pressures they faced. They identified potential risks and established specialized teams for specific projects and goals. While military-style methods of management may not work in every situation, they have helped EERE survive even the most challenging times. They were also successful in achieving many of their goals. EERE is a top-performing nonprofit in the world today. This article will provide information about their mission, funding requests, and other details.
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 set ambitious clean energy goals and a roadmap for how to achieve them. The agency is focusing resources on a select few "high probability pathways" that can make the biggest impact to help it achieve its goals.
The organization's mission it to create innovative energy-saving techniques and policies that reduce risks associated emerging technologies. EERE regularly publishes Funding Opportunity Announcements. EERE is a preferred client of electric utility interests as well as environmentalists. In some cases, it collaborates with manufacturers to implement energy-efficiency standards and policies. One example was the Obama Administration's creation of regional efficiency standards for appliances.
Over the years, EERE funding levels have increased. 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 crucial to keep an eye on EERE’s activities. However, it seems that the hearing's focus is misguided.
Request for funding to EERE
FY2017's funding request for EERE is $2.9 billion in discretionary funding, and $1.3 billion mandatory funding. This is a $2.2 billion increase (104%) on the FY2016 level of $2.1 million. However, EERE expects to not have a substantial role in the projects they support.
This request is open to domestic and international entities. If the project is a cooperative agreement, the Prime Recipient must be incorporated in the United States. This will depend on the eligibility of Prime Recipient and representative as well as the ownership of intellectual rights.
The Obama Administration requested funding for innovative technologies in renewable energy efficiency. It seeks to establish partnerships for clean energy innovation in America to speed up the development of next generation clean energy technologies.
Deadline for EERE to allocate funds
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or ARRA, included a clause in the EERE which sets the timeline and how funds will be spent. 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 had two goals: to create long-term job opportunities and boost the economy.
The EERE team reviewed existing processes and decided to create a centralized reporting process. Previously, teams would report to individual technology development managers who would then share relevant project data with senior stakeholders. They designed a process to centralize reporting. This included data sharing requirements and guidelines for measuring performance.
There may be more than one budget period available to the EERE in a given project. This means funds that were allocated to one award could be used for more projects.