On December 2, 2011, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Indian Energy introduced its Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) initiative designed to advance clean energy generation in Indian Country by providing technical assistance in assessing the technical and financial feasibility of proposed clean energy projects. The START initiative is composed of two programs: 1) the Tribal START program and 2) the Alaska START program. Applications for both START programs are due by January 15, 2012.
Tribal START Program
The Tribal START program will provide early-stage project development technical assistance for up to five clean energy projects in the 48 contiguous states. The Office of Indian Energy and National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) will work directly with community-based teams and tribal legal and finance specialists to develop market feasibility and due diligence research and analysis. The goal of this effort is to create a pre-development package to support a request for proposal process for financing or construction. The application may be filled out and submitted at the following link: http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/START%20Application_FINAL_0.pdf
Alaska START Program
The Alaska START program will be a comprehensive effort examining all energy-related issues in up to five Alaska Native villages, including diesel powerhouses, power distribution infrastructure, utility management, bulk fuel storage, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, as well as water, sewer and housing needs. Led by the Office of Indian Energy and the NREL and in partnership with the Denali Commission, the Alaska START program will support activities focused on community-based energy planning, energy awareness and training programs, as well as identification and implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities. The application may be filled out and submitted at the following link:
http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/START-Alaska%20Application_FINAL_0.pdf
The Department of Energy’s press release on the Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team initiative is attached. Please let us know if we may provide additional information.
