Spurring Projects to Advance Energy Research and Knowledge Swiftly (SPARKS)

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Description

This opportunity from ARPA-E, under the U.S. Department of Energy, is designed to rapidly support innovative, early-stage applied research and proof-of-concept projects in energy technology. The program seeks transformative, disruptive ideas that fall outside the scope of ARPA-E's focused technology programs and have the potential to significantly advance U.S. energy security, reduce emissions, improve efficiency, or enhance the resilience and reliability of energy infrastructure. Projects may include analyses, exploratory research, or proof-of-concept efforts that could inform future ARPA-E programs or represent entirely new avenues in energy technology.

The announcement is intentionally broad to encourage submission of the most creative and impactful ideas in energy R&D. Proposals must be scientifically distinct from existing ARPA-E or other federal programs and should not represent incremental improvements to current technologies.

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Due Dates

• April 28, 2026: Final deadline for Concept Paper submissions (FOA closing date)

All applicants must submit a Concept Paper by this date; only selected applicants will be invited to submit full applications.

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Funding Amount

• Award Ceiling: $500,000 (federal share per project)
• Award Floor: No minimum specified
• Total Estimated Program Funding: $10,000,000
• Award Duration: Up to 18 months
• Funding Mechanism: Grant (cost-reimbursable or fixed-amount, depending on project type and applicant)

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Eligibility

• Who can apply: Unrestricted. Eligible applicants include:

  • Individuals (U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but funding will only be awarded to an entity)
  • Domestic entities (for-profits, educational institutions, nonprofits)
  • Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and DOE labs (with specific teaming requirements)
  • State, local, and tribal governments (as team members)
  • Federal agencies (other than DOE, as team members)
  • Foreign entities (must designate a U.S.-incorporated subsidiary/affiliate to receive funds; all work must be performed in the U.S. unless a waiver is granted)
  • Consortia (must have a U.S.-incorporated representative)

• Cost Sharing: Required for large businesses (20% of total project cost). Cost sharing is not required for domestic educational institutions, nonprofits, small businesses, or FFRDCs as standalone applicants or as part of teams composed exclusively of these entities.

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Application Process

1. Concept Paper Submission:

   • All applicants must submit a 4-page Concept Paper via the ARPA-E eXCHANGE portal.
   • Concept Papers are accepted at any time before the FOA closing date.
   • Only compliant and responsive Concept Papers will be reviewed.

2. Full Application Invitation:

   • Only applicants with highly meritorious Concept Papers will be invited to submit a Full Application.
   • Instructions for Full Application submission will be provided to invited applicants.

3. Review Criteria:

   • Impact and transformative potential
   • Distinction from existing solutions
   • Innovation and technical soundness
   • Identification and mitigation of risks
   • Project plan clarity
   • Team expertise and resources

4. Submission Portal:

   • All materials must be submitted through ARPA-E eXCHANGE.
   • Registration is required prior to submission.

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Additional Information

• Proposals must not duplicate or incrementally extend work supported by other ARPA-E or federal programs.
• Projects must be scientifically distinct and transformative, not incremental improvements.
• Applicants are encouraged to consult with ARPA-E Program Directors or Fellows prior to submission to discuss responsiveness.
• FAQs and updates are posted regularly on the ARPA-E FAQ page.
• This program is subject to federal financial assistance regulations (2 C.F.R. Part 200 and Part 910).

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External Links

• FOA and Application Portal (ARPA-E eXCHANGE)
• Official Grants.gov Listing
• ARPA-E eXCHANGE User Guide
• ARPA-E Funding Opportunity FAQs
• Current ARPA-E Focused Programs
• Contact ARPA-E

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Contact Information

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