Proposal Summary Outline
for Seeking Government Cleantech Grants, Loan Guarantees and other Funding
Below is an outline discussing the typical proposal summary that begins the process of seeking federal and state
government cleantech grants, loan guarantees and other funding. While some of the elements may need to be
modified for funding under the proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the basic framework
will remain the same.
Note: According to ARRA, the applicant must be a U.S. business or entity.
The first step in the funding process is to submit a proposal summary to the manager in charge of the funding
program and to follow up with a call for initial feedback to confirm the project fits within the program. We can
help you identify funding programs and manager contacts. “Shovel ready” projects, i.e., projects that can be
started within 90 days, will initially have the highest priority because they will create jobs quickly. The proposal
summary needs to address the following business points and be no longer than two pages with a third page used
for team biographies:
Proposal Summary Points
•
Problem and Solution
o
•
•
•
What is the problem the project will solve and how will the project solve it? For example, the
problem is carbon emissions and the project, the installation and operation of solar energy facilities,
will reduce carbon emissions in the case of a request for a federal loan guarantee for a Power
Purchase Agreement (PPA) financing. Another example is a grant that will enable a pilot program to
be conducted to test a new hybrid battery technology with the potential for advanced levels of
charging efficiency.
Number of Jobs Created and Speed in Doing So
o
Types and number of jobs to be created. For example, solar facility installers who can be trained in
entry- level jobs and working on funded projects within 90 days.
o
How fast can the jobs be created? For example, for a project to be “shovel ready” all major regulatory
approvals must have been obtained so the project can begin within 90 days.
Plan of Action to Carry Out the Project
o
Describe how the project will be executed. This point needs to persuade the program manager that a
successful outcome is probable as to job creation, project results and staying within the budget.
o
What is your “unfair” competitive advantage over others who may propose to do the same type of
project? Is it your scientific team, access to certain technology, track record in successfully
completing similar projects, etc.?
Management and Scientific Team
o
Why is your team the best team to carry out this project?
o
Can the team execute through the completion stage of the project?
o
•
The team’s prior track record can be persuasive in convincing a program manager that the team can
achieve success.
Project Management Plan
o
This includes the financial plan for the project.
o
Justify the amount requested. Why is your proposal the “best financial value” for the funding source?
o
Specify the schedule for completion with measurable progress milestones.
o
Clearly identify the deliverables.
Please contact us if you need help in identifying funding programs or program manager contacts or have other
questions or comments.
Author:
Fred M. Greguras
Palo Alto, CA
K&L Gates
650.798.6708
fred.greguras@klgates.com
Area: Financing and Project Finance
K&L Gates Cleantech Financing Team
Dirk Michels
Palo Alto, CA
K&L Gates
650.798.6709
dirk.michels@klgates.com
Area: Financing and Project Finance
Tim Peckinpaugh
Washington, DC
K&L Gates
202.661.6265
tim.peckinpaugh@klgates.com
Area: Federal Grants and Appropriations
Fred M. Greguras
Palo Alto, CA
K&L Gates
650.798.6708
fred.greguras@klgates.com
Area: Financing and Project Finance
Cloey Hewlett
San Francisco, CA
K&L Gates
415.882.8026
cloey.hewlett@klgates.com
Area: California Grants and Appropriations
Aaron Schapiro
Palo Alto, CA
K&L Gates
650.798.6711
aaron.schapiro@klgates.com
Area: Financing and Project Finance
James P. O’Hare
Boston, MA
K&L Gates
617.261.3219
jim.ohare@klgates.com
Area: Financing and Project Finance