Project Summary/Abstract

Attach a pdf of the Project Summary/Abstract here.  Name the file “Summary.pdf.” The Project Summary/Abstract must contain a summary of the proposed activity suitable for dissemination to the public and therefore must NOT include any proprietary or sensitive business information as the DOE may make it available to the public.  The Project Summary/Abstract must not exceed 1 page.   

The purpose of the Project Summary/Abstract is to communicate the overall sense of the combined Phase I and Phase II project.  It is not intended to communicate every step of the work plan or every suggested accomplishment.   

 

Project Summary/Abstract Elements (not to exceed 1 page) 

Elements 

Description 

Header 

The header must include the following: 

  • Company Name 
  • Project Title (the same title used in the Letter of Intent) 
  • Principal Investigator 
  • Topic number/Subtopic letter, e.g. 08b 

Statement of problem or situation that is being addressed in your application 

Describe the problem or situation being addressed and clearly indicate DOE interest in the problem, but without implying that any services or products are provided for the direct benefit of DOE rather than for the advancement of a public purpose.   


Approximate length:  1 – 3 sentences 

General statement of how this problem will be addressed in the project 

Describe the overall objective of the Phase 1 project.  How is the problem going to be addressed?  What is the overall project approach? 

 

Approximate length:  2 – 4 sentences 

What is to be done in Phase I? 

Briefly describe what work/research will be conducted in Phase I of the project. 

 

Approximate length:  3 – 4 sentences 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits 

Summarize the future applications or public benefits if the project is carried over into Phase II or Phase III and beyond.  Statements of future applications or benefits belong in this section.  Do not repeat information already provided in the earlier sections. 

 

Approximate length:  2 – 3 sentences, or as allowed by space 

Summary for Members of Congress 

DOE notifies members of Congress of grants in their districts.  Provide a very brief summary of the project in very clear and concise layman’s terms that is suitable for a possible press release from a Congressional office.   

 

Suggested length/format:  Use two sentences.  The first sentence should state the problem being addressed so that the research need is clear, and the second sentence should state what the project will do to address that problem.   

Key Words 

Provide a listing of key words that describe the effort. 

File name for upload 

Summary.pdf 

 


Pro tips: 

Do not use acronyms. 

Do not use abbreviations. 

Do not use first-person references or narration. 

Do not use any proper names including the name of the small business, any subcontractors or institutions, or any trade or product name in the body of the summary. 

Be sure that the Project Summary/Abstract follows the guidelines set forth in the FOA. 

Begin drafting the abstract a couple of weeks before the package is due to ensure appropriate time for editing.   

 


Common Mistakes: 

Be careful to avoid including any proprietary information in the summary or any trade secrets as the summary may be disseminated to the public.  Before uploading, share the document with the principal investigator and/or the firm’s business official to make sure that there is no proprietary data or sensitive business information included.   

Do not exceed 1 page. 

Be sure to use the same title in the header that was used in the Letter of Intent.   


Dawnbreaker audio podcast for drafting the abstract: