Since 2022, PDS has utilized its extensive project development and management expertise to excel in grant research, writing, management, administration, and Community Benefit Plans (CBP) development and execution. Our primary focus is on the clean and conventional energy technology sectors, closely aligned with economic and community workforce and development initiatives in Kern County.

Our dedicated grants team has successfully submitted 17 grant applications to prominent agencies such as the Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission.

PDS co-developed the CBPs for two significant grant awards by the Department of Energy: Regional Direct Air Capture Hubs and the Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Projects. Additionally, PDS serves as the project manager for one of the Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Pilot Demonstrations. These grants address economic, workforce, and development opportunities and issues through Community and Labor Engagement, investing in the American Workforce, Diversity Equity Inclusion Accessibility (DEIA), and Justice 40, ensuring these grants address community needs specifically with disinvested, low-income, and underserved populations.

In addition, PDS has extensively supported local Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) on Federal and State grant projects, from grant development, management, and administration to developing and authoring CBPs
Furthermore, PDS has experience leading grants as the Principal Investigator. Its status as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) ensures competitiveness for grants exclusively for MBEs.

Federal & State Funding Agencies

The PDS team has experience researching and developing grants for the following agencies:
• Department of Energy (DE)
• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Department of Education (DOE)
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• California Energy Commission (CEC)
• California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA)
• Department of Defense (DOD)

Community Benefits Plans (CBP) Expertise
The development of CBPs became mainstream with the passing of two bills by the Biden-Harris administration: the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The Department of Energy (DOE) in these two bills requires all applicants to submit a Community Benefits Plan (CBP) to be considered for any funding opportunities, including grants and loans. These CBPs aim to ensure that federal investments align with four primary goals:

Community & Labor Engagement
Meaningful engagement with community and labor partners leading to formal agreements with accountability to affected stakeholders.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
Equitable access to wealth-building opportunities (teaming, access to quality jobs, business and contracting opportunities, etc.)

Investing in the American Workforce
Create quality jobs to attract and retain skilled workers and ensure workers have a voice over decisions that affect them.

Justice 40
Justice 40 meets or exceeds the objectives of the Justice40 initiative, which is that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities.