The DOE primarily provides basic science support through the DOE Office of Science (SC) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). Researchers who wish to secure funding from DOE must clearly describe how the proposed research will advance the mission of the DOE. After reading through a Request for Proposals (RFP) if there seems to be synergy between the stated program goals and the proposed research, applicants should contact the relevant program officer at DOE to discuss their ideas and determine whether they should submit a proposal.