Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) 40503: Energy Auditor Training | DE FOA 0003204

Opportunity Information: Apply for DE FOA 0003204

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) 40503: Energy Auditor Training opportunity (DOE FOA 0003204) is a competitive grant program from the U.S. Department of Energy, administered through DOE's Golden Field Office, that focuses on building a stronger workforce for building energy audits. The core purpose is to provide funding to help states train people to conduct energy audits (also described as energy surveys) for both residential and commercial buildings. In practical terms, the program is meant to help states expand and improve the pipeline of qualified energy auditors who can assess building energy performance and identify efficiency opportunities, which supports broader clean energy and infrastructure goals tied to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), commonly referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The program is framed around several workforce and quality goals rather than simply running classes. DOE emphasizes training and certification approaches that use well-informed curriculum and intentional program design aligned with current standards, while also anticipating future standards as the field evolves. A major theme is standardization and consistency: the program aims to help states adopt clearer, more uniform expectations for what an energy auditor should know and be able to do, and how that competence is taught and validated. At the same time, the opportunity is explicitly aimed at growing a larger and more diverse talent pipeline by addressing barriers to entry, improving inclusion, and reducing disparities that have historically affected underrepresented groups in energy and building-related careers. Another key goal is connecting trainees to real career pathways, not just training for its own sake, by linking participants to job opportunities that emphasize job quality, economic mobility, and long-term career growth. DOE also highlights sustainability and long-term workforce value, encouraging partnerships and practices that support durable infrastructure development and a lasting clean energy workforce.

Eligibility is tightly limited. Only U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories with a demonstrated need for assistance in training energy auditors may apply, and throughout the funding announcement these eligible entities are generally referred to as "States." Importantly, no other applicant types are allowed under this funding, meaning local governments and tribal entities cannot apply directly for awards under this FOA. In addition, eligibility is restricted specifically to State Energy Offices under the relevant federal rules and DOE program regulations (referenced in the announcement as 2 CFR 910.126 and 10 CFR Part 420). As a result, even within a state, the appropriate applicant is the State Energy Office rather than another agency or state-affiliated organization.

In terms of funding, Congress appropriated $40 million for this program to be distributed through competitive grants. DOE may choose to make one award, multiple awards, or none at all depending on application quality and program priorities. Individual award sizes are expected to range from $200,000 up to a ceiling of $2,000,000 per award, and DOE anticipates making roughly 20 to 30 awards. While the competition is merit-based, the statute also notes that award amounts for eligible states are determined by the Secretary taking population into account, and DOE reserves the right to set final award amounts for selected applicants. The assistance listing (CFDA) number associated with the program is 81.041, and the activity focus is categorized under employment, labor and training, and energy.

A notable feature is that there is no cost sharing requirement. States do not have to provide a mandatory match to receive funding. Even so, DOE encourages states to think strategically about leveraging additional resources, including philanthropic and private sector funding, to extend the reach of training programs, expand participant support, strengthen partnerships with employers, or build longer-lasting training infrastructure beyond the federal grant period.

Key administrative details from the opportunity listing include the original closing date of June 28, 2024, an award ceiling of $2,000,000, and an opportunity category of discretionary funding using a grant instrument. Applicants and interested parties are directed to review the full Funding Opportunity Announcement on DOE's Infrastructure Exchange website at https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov, which is where the official requirements, application structure, evaluation criteria, and any updates would be maintained.

• The Golden Field Office in the employment, labor and training, energy sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) 40503: Energy Auditor Training" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 81.041.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-12-20.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-28. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 30 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments.

Apply for DE FOA 0003204

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