The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Industrial Training & Assessment Centers (ITAC) Implementation Grant Program, offers financial support to small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) to implement energy and productivity recommendations stemming from qualified energy assessments. These assessments include those performed by ITAC, the Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP), now also referred to as Onsite Energy TAP, and a designated set of third-party assessments qualified as ITAC-equivalent. The grant program is administered in collaboration with ENERGYWERX, DOE’s Partnership Intermediary, and is supported by section 40521 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (42 USC 17116).

The objective of the ITAC Implementation Grant Program is to enhance the productivity, energy efficiency, and competitiveness of American SMMs. The initiative also aims to create pathways to high-quality employment and bolster domestic manufacturing by funding projects that derive from DOE-recognized energy assessments. Eligible applicants may receive up to $300,000 per unique assessment recommendation, with a minimum grant request of $5,000 and a 50% cost share required. Projects already implemented are not eligible, and each facility must submit a separate form for funding.

Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based manufacturers or water/wastewater treatment facilities that meet specific size and financial criteria: less than $100 million in gross annual sales, between $100,000 and $3.5 million in annual energy expenses, and fewer than 500 employees at the facility. Assessments used to justify funding must have been conducted from January 2018 onward (for ITAC/CHP TAP) or from 2021 onward for ITAC-equivalent assessments. Facilities certified under ISO 50001 or 50001 Ready can also qualify if they follow DOE-specified self-assessment and review procedures.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed quarterly. While specific future submission deadlines have not been finalized, DOE provides a 30 to 60-day advance notice for each deadline. The next projected application open date is January 13, 2025, with selections expected to be made in summer 2025. Grants will be awarded thereafter in collaboration with ENERGYWERX. The DOE plans to maintain this funding opportunity through FY2026 with up to $80 million currently allocated.

The evaluation process for applications considers impact, feasibility, financial need, and strategic alignment with DOE goals. Specific criteria include the potential energy and productivity improvements, cost-effectiveness, project management capacity, and leveraging of other funding sources. Additionally, policy factors such as geographic distribution, employment impacts, and alignment with U.S. manufacturing priorities may influence award decisions. All grantees involved in construction-related work must comply with Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements.

For assistance or more information, applicants can contact ENERGYWERX at info@energywerx.org. Monthly Office Hours are also offered to address applicant queries, and interested parties are encouraged to express their interest in participating.