This subpart sets forth the policies and procedures applicable to the award and administration of grants by DOE for advanced technology vehicle manufacturing facilities as authorized by section 136(b) of the Energy Independence and Security Act (Pub. L. 110-140).

Except as otherwise provided by this subpart, the award and administration of grants shall be governed by 10 CFR part 600 (DOE Financial Assistance Rules).

DOE may issue, under the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Facility Award Program, 10 CFR part 611, subpart C, awards for eligible projects.

In order to be eligible for an award, an applicant must be either—

(a) An automobile manufacturer that can demonstrate an improved fuel economy as specified in paragraph (b) of section 611.3, or

(b) A manufacturer of a qualifying component.

Awards issued for eligible projects shall be for an amount of no more than 30 percent of the eligible project costs.

An award under section 611.204 shall apply to—

(a) Facilities and equipment placed in service before December 30, 2020; and

(b) Engineering integration costs incurred during the period beginning on December 19, 2007 and ending on December 30, 2020.

The Secretary shall, in making awards to those manufacturers that have existing facilities, give priority to those facilities that are oldest or have been in existence for at least 20 years. Such facilities can currently be sitting idle.

(a) In this section, the term “covered firm” means a firm that—

(1) Employs less than 500 individuals; and

(2) Manufactures automobiles or components of automobiles.

(b) Set Aside—Of the amount of funds that are used to provide awards for each fiscal year under this subpart, not less than 10 percent shall be used to provide awards to covered firms or consortia led by a covered firm.