NLR Previews Next Round of Distributed Wind CIP Funding
The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) has released a pre‑solicitation notice signaling its intent to issue a full and open 2026 Request for Proposals for the Distributed Wind Competitiveness Improvement Project (CIP), DOE’s flagship R&D program for small and medium distributed wind manufacturers.
CIP provides cost‑shared, firm fixed‑price subcontracts and intensive technical assistance to American companies to optimize turbine and power electronics designs, advance manufacturing, complete certification testing, and commercialize and field‑validate new and improved distributed wind technologies. The forthcoming RFP is expected to open in August 2026, with a 30-day response period and anticipated performance periods beginning in spring 2027. As in the past the awards will require price participation (cost share), U.S. incorporation, demonstrated team capabilities, and work performed in the U.S. or its territories (unless otherwise justified).
For DWEA members, this notice is an early signal to line up project concepts, partners, and cost share for the next round of CIP funding, which historically has directed the majority of awards to DWEA member companies and has been central to making distributed wind more cost‑competitive, reliable, and interoperable with other distributed energy resources.
DWEA members developing new turbines, controls, power electronics, or advanced manufacturing approaches—or seeking to complete standards‑based certification and field validation—should watch the SAM.gov page for the official RFP posting and use this lead time to refine scopes, assemble teams, and prepare the financial and technical documentation required for competitive proposals.
DWEA–Sandia Webinar Series Continues: Next topic on Hybrid Micro Designs
Sandia National Laboratories and DWEA are partnering on a webinar series designed to advance the technical foundations of distributed wind and hybrid systems. Building on the May 2026 session on Interconnection Standards and the June 2026 deep dive into AI-driven Power Management Controls, the series brings together national lab expertise and industry perspectives to address real-world challenges in distributed wind grid integration, controls, and certification.
The next webinar in this ongoing collaboration, tentatively scheduled for August, will focus on “Wind Hybrid Micro Designs,” exploring how distributed wind can be effectively combined with solar, storage, and advanced controls in microgrids and hybrid configurations. This upcoming session will highlight design considerations, performance optimization, and lessons learned from Sandia’s research, continuing the series’ emphasis on practical solutions for developers, utilities, and technology providers working at the cutting edge of distributed wind.
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Lawyers for Good Government brief on new “Prohibited Foreign Entity” rules
Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) has issued a new guidance brief on “Prohibited Foreign Entity” (PFE) restrictions that now apply to key clean energy tax credits, including the new clean electricity ITC (Section 48E) and PTC (Section 45Y).
The brief explains how ties to certain “covered nations” can disqualify entities from claiming these credits, and highlights rules that can deny or recapture credits based on contracts giving foreign counterparties “effective control.” It also outlines new material‑sourcing limits for projects beginning construction after 2025, along with interim safe harbors that rely on IRS Notice 2025‑08 and supplier certifications. Read more: https://l4gg.docsend.com/view/e3qbiebmyptnjjxc
USDA Rural Development’s New Eligibility Lookup Tool
USDA Rural Development has launched a new online Eligibility Lookup Tool that lets users quickly check location-based eligibility across multiple programs—including Community Facilities, Electric, OneRD Guarantee, Rural Business and Cooperative Services, and Water and Environmental Program—through a single mapping interface. By centralizing eligibility checks and leveraging modern geospatial technology, the tool streamlines staff workload and improves engagement with rural communities while maintaining consistency with existing eligibility data sources.
Check out the new USDA eligibility tool here: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3c2f6c9581bb4f06a4ab68df8f34b0be