[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 23 (Thursday, February 3, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-2447]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: February 3, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
 

Grant Award to the University of Massachusetts

AGENCY: Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of noncompetitive financial assistance award.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), pursuant to the DOE 
Financial Assistance Rules, 10 CFR 600.7, is announcing its intention 
to award a grant to the University of Massachusetts for continuing 
research efforts in support of the DOE Office for Building Technologies 
programs. This project seeks to improve the methods used to calculate 
fenestration system (windows, skylights, etc.) U-values (measures of 
heat transfer characteristics) and solar heat gain coefficients.

ADDRESSES: Questions regarding this announcement may be addressed to 
the U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office, 1617 Cole Blvd., 
Golden, Colorado 80401, Attention: John W. Meeker, Contract Specialist. 
The Contracting Officer is Paul K. Kearns.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE's programmatic evaluation (in accordance 
with 10 CFR 600.7(b)(2)(ii)(D))completed for this proposal resulted in 
a recommendation to fund this grant application for the following 
reasons.
    1. The proposed research will contribute to the DOE mission by 
helping to identify and develop accurate, unbiased procedures for 
evaluating and comparing window thermal performance. Successful 
completion of this research would advance the goal of developing and 
implementing testing procedures that given a reliable picture of window 
thermal performance characteristics. Displaying this information on 
window labels will enable people to make informed choices when 
purchasing window systems. This will lead to lead to reduced energy use 
in buildings which, in the U.S., accounts for about 40% of annual 
national energy consumption. Approximately one-sixth of that energy is 
wasted by unwanted radiation transfer through windows.
    2. Dr. William P. Goss and his research associates will be 
performing this research. Dr. Goss has been directing this effort for 
the past 5 years. As the principal investigator for this research 
effort, Dr. Goss is the most qualified individual available to 
accomplish this project. He has expertise in thermal measurements and 
computer modeling of fenestration product performance.
    3. The budget proposed for the anticipated work was reviewed and is 
considered to be appropriate and adequate. The major public benefit to 
be derived from this project is the development of an accurate, 
unbiased means to compare and evaluate window energy performance that 
will be used to reduce energy use in buildings.
    4. The activity to be funded is an extension of work currently 
being funded by DOE through a cooperative agreement. Competition for 
the instant effort would have a significant adverse impact on the 
continuity of current efforts because this research is an integral part 
of the DOE building windows program. A significant time delay in the 
research effort would result if a competitive solicitation were 
undertaken and, because of the unique, ground-breaking nature of this 
research, no other potential applicants have as much experience or the 
capability to do this work in the amount of time and for the amount of 
money that is proposed by the applicant. A delay in the research would 
likely cost DOE more money to fund a comparable effort and the period 
of performance would be longer because of the time needed by the 
applicant to develop the required technical expertise.
    The major objective of this research project is to improve the 
methods used to calculate fenestration system (windows, skylights, 
etc.) U-factors (measures of heat transfer characteristics) and solar 
heat gain coefficients.
    To meet this objective, the University of Massachusetts has chose 
to pursue a research plan divided into three general tasks. These tasks 
are: (1) Perform fenestration U-factor modeling work; (2) develop 
fenestration U-factor test methods; and (3) provide technical support 
for the development of standard fenestration U-factor performance 
testing procedures that could be established internationally.
    A total of $1,371,500 will be required for a sixty (60) month 
period, of which $1,223,000 are DOE funds. In FY 1994 $180,000 of DOE 
funds are expected to be available for award in February. The 
University of Massachusetts' cost share is anticipated to be $148,500 
over the 60 month period.

    Issued in Chicago, Illinois, on January 25, 1994.
Timothy S. Crawford,
Assistant Manager for Human Resources and Administration.
[FR Doc. 94-2447 Filed 2-2-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-M