[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 184 (Friday, September 23, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-23643]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: September 23, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

 

National Industrial Competitiveness Through Energy, Environment 
and Economics (NICE\3\) Grants

AGENCY: The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Waste Reduction of the Department of Energy and 
the Pollution Prevention Division of the Environmental Protection 
Agency are jointly funding a State Grant Program entitled National 
Industrial Competitiveness Through Energy, Environment and Economics 
(NICE\3\). The goals of the NICE\3\ Program are (1) to foster new 
industrial processes and/or equipment that can significantly reduce the 
generation of wastes in industry, improve energy efficiency and enhance 
the competitiveness of U.S. industry, (2) to encourage collaborative 
efforts among State agencies responsible for energy, environment and 
economic issues together with private sector industrial partners.

DATES: The solicitation will be available October 11, 1994. 
Applications must be received by January 31, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Eric Hass and/or Bill Ives at the U.S. Department of Energy Golden 
Field Office (NREL), 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401--
Telephone (303) 275-4728--for referral to appropriate DOE Support 
Office or State Agency.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1994 the Department of Energy contributed 
$2,600,000 and the Environmental Protection Agency contributed 
$650,000. Ten projects were selected for funding.

Availability of Fiscal Year 1995 Funds

    With this publication, DOE and EPA are announcing the availability 
of up to $8.5 million in grant/cooperative agreement funds for fiscal 
year 1995. The awards will be made through a competitive process. In 
response to the solicitation, a State agency may include up to 10 
percent, not to exceed $25,000 per project, for State agency program 
support. Size of grants including State agency program support may 
range up to $425,000. Projects may cover a period of up to 3 years.

Restricted Eligibility

    Eligible applicants for purposes of funding under this program 
include the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any territory or 
possession of the United States, specifically, State energy, 
environmental or economic agencies. For convenience, the term State in 
this notice refers to all eligible State applicants. Local governments, 
State and private universities, private non-profits, private 
businesses, and individuals, who are not eligible as direct applicants, 
must work with State agencies in developing projects. DOE and EPA 
strongly encourage and require this type of cooperative arrangement in 
support of program goals.
    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number assigned to this 
program is 81.105. Up to $8.5 million in Federal funds are provided by 
DOE and EPA. Cost sharing is required by all participants. The Federal 
Government will provide up to 50% of the funds for the Project. The 
remaining funds must be provided by the eligible applicants and/or 
cooperating project participants. Cost sharing beyond the 50 percent 
match is desirable. In addition to direct financial contributions, cost 
sharing can include beneficial services or items, such as manpower, 
equipment, consultants, and computer time that are allowable in 
accordance with applicable cost principles. Industrial partners are 
required for a proposal to be considered responsive to this 
announcement and eligible for grant consideration. A State agency 
application signed by an authorized State official is required for a 
proposal to be responsive.

Evaluation Criteria

    The first tier review will occur at the appropriate regional DOE 
Regional Support Office. Proposals will receive a technical and final 
evaluation review by a panel comprised of members representing DOE's 
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the Environmental 
Protection Agency. More detailed information is available from the U.S. 
Department of Energy Golden Field Office at (303) 275-4728.
    DOE/EPA reserves the right to fund, in whole or in part, any, all, 
or none of the proposals submitted in response to this notice.
Christine A. Ervin,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 94-23643 Filed 9-22-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-M