[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 81 (Thursday, April 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-10157]


[Federal Register: April 28, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Golden Field Office


Solicitation for Financial Assistance Applications; 
Electrochromic Window Technologies Program

AGENCY: Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation for financial assistance applications 
number DE-PS36-94GO10001.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the 
Electrochromic Window Technologies Program, announces its intention to 
issue a competitive solicitation and make multiple (at least two (2)) 
awards to accelerate commercialization of electrochromic window 
technologies. This action is subject to the DOE Financial Assistance 
Rules, which can be found in title 10 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (10 CFR part 600).

AVAILABILITY OF THE SOLICITATION: To obtain a copy of the solicitation 
once it is issued on or about May 12, 1994, write to the U.S. 
Department of Energy's Golden Field Office, 1617 Cole Blvd, Golden, CO 
80401, Attn: Mr. John Meeker, Contract Specialist. Only written 
requests for the solicitation will be honored. For convenience, 
requests for the solicitation may be faxed to Mr. Meeker at (303) 275-
4790.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Department of Energy, Office of 
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is planning to assist in the 
funding of the development and demonstration of an electrochromic 
window product that would be fully marketable within 4 years. Awards 
under the solicitation will be Cooperative Agreements administered in 
accordance with 10 CFR part 600, DOE's Financial Assistance Rules.
    DOE is interested in promoting and supporting innovative system 
approaches to the development of electrochromic windows for building 
applications. Electrochromic windows are expected to reduce energy and 
resource use, reduce environmental impacts, increase affordability, 
improve quality, increase productivity in the U.S. building sector and 
increase the competitiveness of the U.S. window industry. It is 
expected that multi-disciplinary teams would be organized to respond to 
the solicitation. It is desired that each team have sufficient breadth 
to include all the major types of companies involved in the manufacture 
and fabrication of electrochromic devices as well as commercial 
building windows. Each team must provide the expertise and proven 
capability to conduct the necessary electrochromic device development 
and window commercialization. Qualified prospective sources must 
demonstrate an electrochromic material development capability, glass or 
plastic film coating capability and window fabrication capability. The 
project is expected to be completed in three phases covering a four 
year period. The first phase, running for 1 to 1.5 years, will 
culminate with the production of several test specimens or prototypes. 
These specimens should be sufficient in number and size (e.g., 30 sq. 
ft. of samples greater than 1.0 sq. ft. each) to conduct a thorough 
test and evaluation of the technology, reasonably assuring success in 
phase 2. The second phase, running for 1.5 to 2 years, will result in 
demonstration prototypes, which when produced in limited quantities, 
would be suitable for niche markets. This Phase will require 
development of device manufacturing processes and market evaluation. 
Phase 3 will address demonstration and deployment activities and will 
not be specifically defined in the resulting agreement. However, Phase 
3 will be subject to the commercial readiness of the electrochromic 
windows at the end of Phase 2 and availability of DOE funds.
    It is anticipated that requirements of the solicitation will 
include that:
    (1) All teams or applicants in projects shall include at least one 
for-profit entity; and
    (2) Projects selected shall require manufacture and reproduction 
substantially within the United States for any invention or product 
that may result from the project.
    In general, the solicitation will require cost sharing by 
applicants of at least 50% of the total project costs in order to 
receive an award under the solicitation. The Phase 1 award minimum cost 
share is 25% though a higher level is desirable. The level of cost 
sharing will be one criterion in selecting the winning teams. All 
participant cost sharing must come from non-Federal funding sources. It 
is anticipated that total DOE funding in the amount of $1,200,000 will 
be available for Phase 1 activities. It is anticipated that up to 
$5,000,000 of DOE funding will be available for Phase 2 activities. All 
DOE funding, however, is subject to availability of appropriations.
    The solicitation will be issued on or about May 12, 1994, and will 
contain detailed information on funding, cost sharing requirements, 
eligibility, application preparation, and evaluation. Responses to the 
solicitation will be due 45 days after solicitation release. However, 
applications are encouraged to be submitted prior to the closing date. 
All responsible sources are encouraged to submit an application and all 
applications will be considered.

    Issued in Golden, Colorado, on April 15, 1994.
Christine A. Phoebe,
Director, Administrative Division, Golden Field Office.
[FR Doc. 94-10157 Filed 4-26-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-M