TRC can now provide IAC equivalent energy audits to small and medium-sized manufacturing (SMM) firms, who can receive grants of up to $300,000 for implementation of audit recommendations.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Industrial Training & Assessment Centers Program – formerly known as the Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) has re-opened applications for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms to receive grants of up to $300,000 per unique assessment recommendation, at a 50% cost share, made in Industrial Training & Assessment Centers (ITAC) energy assessments and/or DOE Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership.
As a qualified third party IAC-Equivalent Energy Assessor, TRC can assist manufacturing firms with all facets of assessing, planning and implementing ITAC-equivalent energy assessments. Our team of engineers and energy consultants guide firms through every step of the grant application process and provide clarity on eligibility towards the $300,000 DOE funding program.
About the DOE IAC Grant Funding Program
The DOE ITAC Implementation Grant Program provides grants funded by section 40521 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 42 USC 17116, to small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) to implement recommendations made in ITAC and Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership assessments since 2018.
These grants will bolster the American manufacturing base by supporting projects to improve energy and material efficiency, to increase productivity and to reduce emissions at SMMs. DOE further intends that these grants will advance the objectives of the Justice40 initiative by improving business performance, increasing energy affordability and creating pathways to high-quality jobs in disadvantaged communities by driving federal investment into these communities and, where possible, utilizing registered apprenticeship programs and ITAC Program participants in implementation efforts.
Who Can Apply
Applications in this round of funding must be U.S. based manufacturers – that is, an entity that engages in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components; or applicant is a water or wastewater treatment facility, including:
- NAICS Code: 31-33 (Manufacturing)
- NAICS Code: 1114 (Controlled Environment Agriculture)
- NAICS Code: 22131-22132 (Water Supply Systems and Sewage Treatment Facilities)
Applicants must meet all three of the following elements to qualify for this funding round: 1) gross annual sales of less than $100 million; 2) fewer than 500 of employees at the assessed plant site; and 3) annual energy bills at between $100,000 and $3.5 million (each in the most recently completed fiscal year OR the year in which the assessment was completed, if different). Read more about eligibility and review criteria here.
To be eligible for the grants, manufacturing firms must receive an IAC audit covering one of the following five categories:
- Improves site energy and/or material efficiency;
- Improves site cybersecurity infrastructure;
- Improves site productivity;
- Reduces site waste production;
- Reduces site greenhouse gas emissions and/or non-greenhouse gas pollution (i.e. NOx and SOx)
How TRC Can Help:
TRC has decades of experience evaluating energy efficiency opportunities for industrial facilities through comprehensive energy audits. We have collectively audited nearly 30,000 facilities nationwide, covering more than 1 billion square feet of building space. Our ASHRAE-compliant energy audits address specific client priorities and inform recommendations for cost-effective solutions that yield the greatest benefits.
Contact Paul David, pdavid@trccompanies.com to learn more about how TRC can help your manufacturing firm take advantage of the current round of DOE funding for IAC assessments.
*Please note that applications are being accepted on a rolling basis as of June 2024, but the window for funding may close later in 2024.