Grid Supply Chain Alternatives to Lead Energy Dominance (SCALED)

The Grid Supply Chain Alternatives to Lead Energy Dominance (SCALED) initiative is a Department of Energy program managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory to strengthen domestic capabilities for essential grid components and protect energy infrastructure from supply chain shocks. This effort is structured as a series of cooperative agreements with a total funding pool of 237 million dollars, aiming to award between 70 projects. The initiative is divided into two primary topic areas: Topic Area 1 focuses on the refurbishment and reuse of critical grid equipment with a funding allocation of 50 million dollars and a required technology readiness level of 8 or higher. Topic Area 2 focuses on alternative materials and subcomponents with 187 million dollars in funding and a required technology readiness level of 6 or higher. The program operates under strict federal guidelines, including Build America, Buy America requirements and the Davis-Bacon Act. Performance periods range from 24 months for Topic Area 1 to a phased approach for Topic Area 2, which can extend up to 48 months and includes a critical go/no-go decision point after the first year. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity Identifier. Evaluation is based on project merit, technical soundness, and the qualifications of key personnel, with a specific emphasis on the ability to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity and reduce procurement costs. Cost sharing is required for these awards, and for-profit entities expending over one million dollars annually are subject to independent compliance audits.