Yes, in certain very limited circumstances. For example, as Appendix A to EPA’s Subaward Policy (incorporated into Section III B. of the NOFO) notes, a for-profit firm can receive a subaward for a project to install pollution-control equipment at its facilities, since the firm in that case is not providing goods or services to the recipient on commercial terms.
Similarly, an investor-owned utility could receive a subaward to provide energy efficient HVAC equipment to residents of low-income communities via subsidies or actual installation of equipment. The utility would not be providing the recipient with the services (energy transmission or other services/products the utility “sells” to ratepayers or others) that generate profits for its investors. Forprofit firms may receive rebates or subsidies for purchases of pollution control equipment including electric vehicles and related charging infrastructure as program participants under 2 CFR 1500.1(b) and the EPA Guidance on Participant Support Costs, which is referenced in Appendix G of the NOFO.