Solutions for Energy Security A U.S. India Energy Technology Partnership | OFOP0002859

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a U.S. government public diplomacy funding opportunity from the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai to support a major initiative titled "Solutions for Energy Security: A U.S. India Energy Technology Partnership." It is offered as a cooperative agreement and is intended to convene influential stakeholders in India to elevate U.S. energy technologies as practical options for India’s energy security needs.

What is the official program name?

The initiative is called "Solutions for Energy Security: A U.S. India Energy Technology Partnership."

Who is issuing the opportunity?

The opportunity is issued by the U.S. Mission to India, specifically through the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is OFOP0002859.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The notice lists CFDA number 19.040.

What type of award is this?

This is a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement mechanism. A cooperative agreement generally signals that the funding agency expects substantial involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant.

How many awards are expected?

The program anticipates making one award.

What is the maximum award amount?

The funding ceiling is $300,000.

When was the opportunity posted and when is the deadline?

The opportunity was created on May 21, 2026, and the application deadline is June 20, 2026.

What is the main purpose of the initiative?

The central purpose is to bring together influential stakeholders across India and use that platform to elevate U.S. energy technologies as attractive, practical solutions for India’s energy security needs. The program is also designed to strengthen U.S.-India ties on energy while advancing U.S. economic and strategic interests in India and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

What kinds of outcomes is the program trying to produce?

The notice emphasizes visible, real-world outcomes, including new commercial relationships, stronger market awareness for U.S. solutions, and increased policy and business momentum that supports U.S. interests. The design aims for measurable business and policy outcomes rather than one-off events.

What is the overall program model?

The model combines multi-phase in-person and virtual engagement. It includes regional conferences across different parts of India, a virtual mentorship component to sustain interaction and knowledge transfer, and a culminating national-level conference intended to consolidate insights and translate discussions into tangible next steps.

What are the major program components described in the notice?

The notice describes (1) a series of regional conferences to reach stakeholders in different regions of India, (2) a virtual mentorship component to support ongoing engagement and relationship-building, and (3) a national-level conference that consolidates connections and aims to drive next steps such as partnership announcements, deal pipelines, joint initiatives, or policy-oriented recommendations.

What is the role of the regional conferences?

The regional conferences are intended to reach stakeholders in different parts of India and serve as a convening and networking platform to increase engagement and awareness around U.S. energy technology solutions.

What is the virtual mentorship component meant to do?

The virtual mentorship component is meant to sustain continued interaction, support knowledge transfer, and deepen relationship-building between participants beyond the in-person events.

What is the purpose of the national-level conference?

The national conference is designed to consolidate insights and connections from the regional activities, reinforce the positioning of U.S. technologies, and push discussions toward tangible next steps (for example, partnership announcements, deal pipelines, joint initiatives, or policy-oriented recommendations).

Is this program mainly about hosting events?

No. The notice frames the initiative as a high-impact convening and networking engine with an explicit purpose of driving measurable business and policy outcomes, rather than simply delivering stand-alone events.

Who is eligible to apply as the prime recipient?

Eligibility is limited to non-profit and public-oriented organizations. The notice indicates that both U.S. and non-U.S. applicants may apply, including not-for-profit organizations (such as think tanks, civil society groups, and NGOs), public or private educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions.

Are for-profit entities eligible to apply?

No. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply as the prime recipient under this opportunity.

Can a project include for-profit entities in some role?

The notice states that subcontracting is allowed, meaning an applicant can engage other entities to carry out specific parts of the work. However, it also states that only one non-profit, non-governmental organization can serve as the prime award recipient. The notice does not describe for-profit eligibility as prime and only clarifies that subcontracting is permissible, with roles clearly defined.

Can U.S.-based and India-based (or other non-U.S.) organizations apply?

Yes. The notice states that both U.S. and non-U.S. applicants may apply, as long as they fall within the eligible categories described.

Can governmental institutions apply?

Yes. The notice includes governmental institutions among eligible applicants.

Can universities or educational institutions apply?

Yes. The notice includes public or private educational institutions as eligible applicants.

Can an NGO or think tank apply?

Yes. The notice explicitly includes not-for-profit organizations such as think tanks, civil society groups, and NGOs as eligible applicants.

Is partnering allowed?

Yes. The notice indicates subcontracting is allowed and requires proposals to clearly define what each partner or contractor will do.

What does the notice require regarding partners, contractors, and roles?

Proposals must clearly define what each partner or contractor will do. The notice directs applicants to federal guidance at 2 CFR 200.331 to understand the distinction between a subcontractor and a subrecipient and to align roles and oversight responsibilities accordingly.

Where does the notice point applicants for guidance on subrecipients vs subcontractors?

The notice references 2 CFR 200.331 for guidance on distinguishing between a subcontractor and a subrecipient and for aligning responsibilities and oversight.

What is the program’s thematic category?

The opportunity is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What is the geographic focus of the activities?

The initiative is designed to reach stakeholders across India through multiple regional conferences and a national-level conference.

Who is the program intended to convene?

The program intends to bring together influential stakeholders across India, including government officials, private sector leaders, universities and research institutions, and media voices.

What is the intended strategic value for the United States?

The notice states that, in addition to strengthening U.S.-India ties on energy, the program aims to generate outcomes that support U.S. economic and strategic interests in India and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Does the notice indicate whether the award is competitive and discretionary?

Yes. The notice describes this as a discretionary award.

Does this opportunity require or imply agency involvement after award?

Because it uses a cooperative agreement mechanism, the notice implies substantial involvement by the funding agency during implementation compared to a standard grant.

What is the main communications or public diplomacy angle?

The initiative is described as a public diplomacy effort that leverages convenings, networks, and stakeholder engagement to elevate U.S. energy technologies and increase market awareness, while building relationships and momentum among decision-makers and influencers.

What kinds of "tangible next steps" does the program aim to produce by the end?

The notice gives examples such as partnership announcements, deal pipelines, joint initiatives, or policy-oriented recommendations emerging from the culminating national-level conference and the broader engagement sequence.