CFR > Title 10 - Energy > CHAPTER II—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY > SUBCHAPTER H—ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS (parts 600 to 611) > PART 609—LOAN GUARANTEES FOR PROJECTS THAT EMPLOY INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES > 609.5—Evaluation of Pre-Applications.

609.5—Evaluation of Pre-Applications.

(a) Where Pre-Applications are requested in a solicitation, DOE will conduct an initial review of the Pre-Application to determine whether:
(1) The proposal is for an Eligible Project;
(2) The submission contains the information required by § 609.4 of this part; and
(3) The submission meets all other requirements of the applicable solicitation.
(b) If a Pre-Application fails to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, DOE may deem it non-responsive and eliminate it from further review.
(c) If DOE deems a Pre-Application responsive, DOE will evaluate:
(1) The commercial viability of the proposed project;
(2) The technology to be employed in the project;
(3) The relevant experience of the principal(s); and
(4) The financial capability of the Project Sponsor (including personal and/or business credit information of the principal(s)).
(d) After the evaluation described in subsection (c) of this section, DOE will determine if there is sufficient information in the Pre-Application to assess the technical and commercial viability of the proposed project and/or the financial capability of the Project Sponsor and to assess other aspects of the Pre-Application. DOE may ask for additional information from the Project Sponsor during the review process and may request one or more meetings with the Project Sponsor.
(e) After reviewing a Pre-Application and other information acquired under paragraph (c) of this section, DOE may provide a written response to the Project Sponsor or Applicant either inviting the Applicant to submit an Application for a loan guarantee and specifying the amount of the Application filing fee (First Fee) or advising the Project Sponsor that the project proposal will not receive further consideration. Neither the Pre-Application nor any written or other feedback that DOE may provide in response to the Pre-Application eliminates the requirement for an Application.
(f) No response by DOE to, or communication by DOE with, a Project Sponsor, or an Applicant submitting a Pre-Application or subsequent Application shall impose any obligation on DOE to enter into a Loan Guarantee Agreement.