The Next EPIC Challenge: Reimagining Affordable Mixed-Use Development in a Carbon-Constrained Future

This grant funding opportunity supports a multi-phase design-build competition that challenges diverse project teams to develop innovative mixed-use developments incorporating cutting-edge energy technologies, construction practices, and sustainable design principles. The competition aims to create affordable, equitable, emissions-free developments that demonstrate resilience to climate change impacts and extreme weather events.

The solicitation operates in three distinct phases. The Concept Application phase required submission of project abstracts by May 7, 2021 at 5:00 PM PDT. Selected concept teams advanced to the Design Phase with full applications due December 1, 2021 at 11:59 PM PT. The final Build Phase involved application materials submission with the deadline of September 29, 2023 at 11:59 PM PDT. A questions deadline of January 22, 2021 at 5:00 PM was established for the initial solicitation release.

Applicants must complete comprehensive documentation including executive summaries, project narratives, team composition forms, detailed scopes of work, project schedules, and budget submissions. Additional requirements include CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) compliance documentation, energy and emissions performance workbooks, project performance metrics, reference materials, commitment and support letters, and applicant declarations. The solicitation manual and multiple addenda (16 total) provide detailed guidelines and modifications throughout the solicitation period.

A pre-application workshop was held on January 21, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM as remote access only. The solicitation is being administered by the California Energy Commission's Energy Research and Development Division under the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) Program. Multiple notices of proposed awards have been issued, with the most recent revised notice dated November 26, 2024, indicating ongoing project awards and implementation.