[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 122 (Monday, June 26, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32948-32952]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-15546]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Refractory Containment Research, Development and Demonstration
AGENCY: Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office.
ACTION: Solicitation for Financial Assistance: Refractory Containment
Research, Development and Demonstration.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office
(ID), is seeking applications for cost-shared research, development and
demonstration (field testing) of new refractories in state-of-the-art
high temperature furnaces and molten material handling equipment to
assist end-use industry sectors to remain competitive, and reduce
energy consumption and environmental impacts. The research is to be
directed toward those refractories used by the aluminum, glass, iron or
steel industries. Applications shall include a demonstration (field
test) in an end-use facility. A minimum 50% non-DOE cost-share is
required. This is the complete solicitation document.
DATES: The deadline for receipt of applications is 4:00 p.m. MDT,
August 17, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Applications shall be submitted to: B. G. Bauer, Contracting
Officer; Procurement Services Division; U. S. Department of Energy;
Idaho Operations Office; P.O. Box 52280; Idaho Falls, Idaho 83405-2280.
[NUMBER DE-PS07-95ID13375]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Walker, Contract Specialist,
Telephone (208) 526-5906, Facsimile (208) 526-5548.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Background
Projects sponsored by the DOE Office of Industrial Technologies
(OIT) are based on the needs and concerns of industry. The program
advances technology to the point of commercialization. Historically,
activities have focused on industrial competitiveness, the development
of energy efficient, environmentally benign technology and equipment.
As part of this program, this solicitation for DOE financial assistance
applications is being issued. This solicitation is in accordance with
Public Law 93-577, the Federal Non-nuclear Energy Research and
Development Act of 1974.
B. Project Description
DOE anticipates awarding one or more Cooperative Agreements in
accordance with DOE Financial Assistance regulations appearing at Title
[[Page 32949]] 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter II
Subchapter H, Part 600 as a result of this solicitation, and funds are
available. Federal funds appropriated for this solicitation are
approximately $890,000 and are to be used to fund the entire two year
research effort. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for
this program is 81.078. All projects shall be cost shared by DOE and
the participant. Applicants should be aware that any awardee shall be
required to have a cost share of not less than 50% of the total cost of
the program. No fee or profit will be paid to the award recipients.
Under Cooperative Agreements it is anticipated there will be
substantial involvement by DOE.
DOE suggests, but does not require, a multi-task single phase
approach. The first task would usually consist of refractory material
selection and rationale for selecting the refractory materials
formulation, followed by the second task consisting of field testing of
the selected refractory formulation in an state-of-the art end-user
application in one or more of the targeted industries. Project duration
cannot exceed 2 years. Project(s) with durations of 2 years or less are
eligible. All applications with project periods of 2 years or less will
be given equal consideration. The period of performance for the first
budget period is anticipated to be 12 months. If at the end of the
first budget period, funds are available and the participant
demonstrates a continuing need for federal assistance, shows sufficient
progress in the research effort, has completed the work in compliance
with a mutually agreed management plan, and identifies the new work
planned, DOE may award a continuation to undertake further work to
complete field testing. Successful applicants will be required to
submit quarterly, annual and a final report to DOE.
The objective of this solicitation is to support research,
development and demonstration (field testing) of new refractories in
state-of-the-art high temperature furnaces and molten material handling
equipment to assist end-use industry sectors to remain competitive, and
reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts. The research is to
be directed toward those refractories used by the aluminum, glass, iron
or steel industries. Applications shall include a demonstration (field
test) in an end-use facility.
New refractory systems are needed for use in existing industrial
furnaces and for applications in new industrial processes (in the iron
and steel, glass and aluminum end-use areas). Basic research to develop
exotic new materials is not being sought. Improved refractories
resulting from compositional changes or adaptations of existing
materials are being sought for high temperature applications.
Refractories with improved thermal, mechanical, and chemical
characteristics are needed to improve longevity, adaptability,
resistance to harsh environments, and ease of application. Development
may include (but are not limited to) the following:
Refractory materials installation systems
Refractory for molten material and/or slag containment systems
Longer service life
Composites, coatings
Materials with improved expansion/contraction characteristics
Furnace repair refractories and glass stop materials
Recuperator linings
Refractories for oxy-fuel or gas reburn applications
Stable refractories for high temperature applications
C. Application Requirements
Each Application shall contain the following information and use
the following format:
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 Proposed program and why it is appropriate for domestic
industry and the relationship to the objectives of the solicitation
1.2 Organizational Plan
1.3 Specialized Experience
1.4 Total costs and non-federal cost-share commitments
1.5 Nonproprietary summary of proposed project including project
benefits suitable for public release (maximum of two pages)
2.0 CRITICAL REVIEW OF TECHNOLOGY STATUS
2.1 Domestic Technology Status including Emerging Technologies
2.2 Worldwide Technology Status including Emerging Technologies
2.3 Why domestic industry is not pursing the proposed concept
3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1 Introduction including how industry has participated in the
selection of the proposed R&D
3.2 Proposed concepts
3.3 Assumptions and detailed calculations of economic benefit to
the overall domestic end-use industry
3.4 Assumptions and detailed calculations of energy savings in the
overall domestic end-use industry
3.5 Technical feasibility and targets
3.6 Hurdles to be overcome by the proposed R&D
3.7 Environmental benefits of the proposed R&D
4.0 PROJECT PLAN
4.1 Project goals and scope
4.2 Statement of work
4.3 Work breakdown structure
4.4 Milestone plan, schedule integration
4.5 Technical targets, decision points and go/no-go decision
criteria
4.6 Spending plan by task, phase and year
4.7 Sources of, and expectations concerning cost share and
financing
4.8 Commercialization plan including technology transfer to
industry and academia
5.0 TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
5.1 Key personnel and responsibilities
5.2 Related experience
5.3 Facilities and equipment available
5.4 Justification for and description of needed facilities and
estimated costs
6.0 PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
6.1 Project organization and responsibilities
6.2 Task integration and project coordination
6.3 Project management structure including implementation and
monitoring of R&D
6.4 Management philosophy
6.5 Reporting
D. Qualified Applicants
For profit and not for profit organizations, state and local
governments, Indian tribes and institutions of higher learning.
Applications may include national laboratories, but only as lower tier
participants with funding for their expected costs provided through
their existing arrangements with the Government.
E. Application Evaluation
a. Application Deadline
The deadline for receipt of applications is 4:00 p.m. MDT, August
17, 1995. Late applications will be handled in accordance with 10 CFR
600.13.
b. Selection of Applications
Only those applications which meet all of the requirements of this
solicitation will be considered for selection. Selections will be made
in accordance with the following selection criteria and programmatic
considerations. All applications will be evaluated and point-scored in
accordance with the following criteria. The applications should be
fully responsive to each of the criteria. [[Page 32950]]
Criterion 1: Research Concept and Plan--Factors to be considered
are the clarity, completeness, responsiveness, and adequacy of the
statement of work; the merit and depth of discussion of the proposed
project (review of supporting data obtained in laboratory and/or pilot
scale work completed to date) to determine if the proposed work is new
and advanced, is based on sound scientific/engineering principles,
advances refractory containment technologies which will assist one or
more of the end-use industry sectors remain competitive, reduce energy
consumption and envinonmental impacts, and the general applicability,
timeliness and potential economic viability of the proposed technology;
the planned levels of data acquisition, sampling and analyses; the
schedule (sequence of project tasks, principal milestones, decision
points, and adequacy of time for each task); and the planned assignment
of responsibilities and level of manpower to complete the research.
Criterion 2: Applicant/Team Capabilities--Factors to be considered
for the applicant and industrial partner team personnel are experience
in research, development and demonstration of the project proposed;
knowledge of past advanced developments in the work proposed; resources
to perform the research, development and demonstration of the work
proposed; ability to assemble a team of multi-disciplined individuals;
qualifications of key individuals and the percentage of time devoted to
the project; individual responsibilities, task assignments, and
resource and manpower availability; and, project management methods.
Criterion 3: Facilities--Factors to be considered are the
availability of laboratory and potential host facilities for performing
research, development and demonstration work proposed; apparatus for
performance of the tests, instrumentation, and data acquisition and
control systems; and the availability of analytical support.
Criterion 4: Industrial Involvement--Factors to be considered are
evidence of strong support by the refractory and end-user industry by
identifying significant industry involvement in preparation of the
application and in performing the research activities.
Criterion 5: Technology Transfer--The factor to be considered is
the clear identification of a viable mechanism to facilitate the
transfer of the technology to the end-user industry at the earliest
practicable time;
Criterion 6: Cost Share--This solicitation requires a minimum of
50% non-DOE cost share. Additional cost share will be point scored in
the following manner. Fifty percent cost share is valued at 0 points;
51% to 60% cost share is valued at 1 point; 61% to 70% cost share is
valued at 2 points; 71% to 80% cost share is valued at 3 points; 81% to
90% cost share is valued at 4 points; and, above 91% cost share is
valued at 5 points.
c. Weighting of Criteria
The Evaluation Criteria are weighted in the following manner: The
criteria will be based on a maximum of 100 points. Criterion 1 and 2
each have a maximum point value of 25. Criterion 3, 4, and 5 each have
a maximum point value of 15. Criterion 6 has a maximum point value of
5.
d. Programmatic Selection Considerations
In conjunction with the evaluation results and rankings of
individual applications, the Government will make selections for
negotiations and planned awards from among the highest ranking
applications utilizing the following programmatic considerations:
(1) The total proposed cost of the project will not be point
scored. Applicants are advised, however, that not withstanding the
lower relative importance of the cost considerations, the evaluated
cost may be the basis for selection. In making the selection decision,
the apparent advantages of individual technical and business
applications will be weighed against the probable cost to the
government to determine whether the application approaches (excluding
cost considerations) are worth the probable cost differences.
(2) It is desirable to implement each research and development
project as a continuing collaborative effort in which the participants
represent both the scientific/engineering research disciplines as well
as members of the refractory and end-use industry.
(3) Applications that have the potential to save significant
energy, reduce negative environmental impacts and provide significant
cost benefits are preferred.
(4) Applications requiring DOE funding levels exceeding the
availability of federal funds stated in the solicitation will not be
evaluated.
e. Merit Reviews
All Applications will be evaluated under the procedure for
``Objective Merit Review of Discretionary Financial Assistance
Applications'' which was published in the Federal Register on May 31,
1990 (Vol. 55, No. 105). Selections for negotiations are expected to be
made October 6, 1995, and financial assistance awards are expected to
be made beginning November 26, 1995.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
The applications will be evaluated in accordance with the Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Merit Review Procedure, and the
criteria and programmatic considerations set forth in this
solicitation. In conducting this evaluation, the Government may utilize
assistance and advice from non-Government personnel. Applicants are
therefore requested to state on the cover sheet of the applications if
they do not consent to an evaluation by such non-Government personnel.
The applicants are further advised that DOE may be unable to give full
consideration to an application submitted without such consent. DOE
reserves the right to support or not to support any, all, or any part
of any application. All applicants will be notified in writing of the
action taken on their applications in approximately 90 days after the
closing date for this solicitation, provided no follow-up
clarifications are needed. Status of any application during the
evaluation and selection process will not be discussed with the
applicants. Unsuccessful applications will not be returned.
A. Instructions for Preparation of Applications
Each application in response to this solicitation should be
prepared in one volume. One original and nine copies of each
application are required. Applications shall be a maximum of 40 pages
excluding costing information and, assurance and certification forms
provided in the DOE Application Instruction package. The application
facesheet is the Standard Form 424. The application is to be prepared
for the complete project period.
a. Proprietary Application Information
Applications submitted in response to this solicitation may contain
trade secrets and/or privileged or confidential commercial or financial
information which the applicant does not want used or disclosed for any
purpose other than evaluation of the application. The use and
disclosure of such data may be restricted provided the applicant marks
the cover sheet of the application with the following legend,
specifying the pages of the application which are to be restricted in
accordance with the conditions of the legend:
``The data contained in pages ______ of this application have
been submitted in [[Page 32951]] confidence and contain trade
secrets or proprietary information, and such data shall be used or
disclosed only for evaluation purposes, provided that if this
applicant receives an award as a result of or in connection with the
submission of this application, DOE shall have the right to use or
disclose the data herein to the extent provided in the award. This
restriction does not limit the government's right to use or disclose
data obtained without restriction from any source, including the
applicant.''
Further, to protect such data, each page containing such data shall
be specifically identified and marked, including each line or paragraph
containing the data to be protected with a legend similar to the
following:
Use or disclosure of the data set forth above is subject to the
restriction on the cover page of this application.
It should be noted, however, that data bearing the aforementioned
legend may be subject to release under the provisions of the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA), if DOE or a court determines that the material
so marked is not exempt under the FOIA. The Government assumes no
liability for disclosure or use of unmarked data and may use or
disclose such data for any purpose. Applicants are hereby notified that
DOE intends to make all applications submitted available to non-
Government personnel for the sole purpose of assisting the DOE in its
evaluation of the applications. These individuals will be required to
protect the confidentiality of any specifically identified information
obtained as a result of their participation in the evaluation.
Proposer must submit with each application a brief nonproprietary
(maximum two page) summary of the proposed project including
anticipated benefits for release to the public (Part 1.5 of Executive
Summary) .
b. Budget
A budget period is an interval of time (usually 12 months) into
which the project period is divided for funding and reporting purposes.
Project period means the total approved period of time that DOE will
provide support contingent upon satisfactory progress and availability
of funds. The project period may be divided into several budget
periods. The project period shall not exceed two years. Each
application must contain Standard Forms 424 and 424A. The budget
summary page only needs to be completed for the first budget period;
all other periods of support requested should be shown on the total
costs page. The application should contain full details of the costs
regarding the labor, overhead, material, travel, subcontracts,
consultants, and other support costs broken down by task and by year.
Every cost item should be justifiable and further details of the costs
may be required if the application is selected for the award. It is
essential that requested details be submitted in a timely manner for
the actual award. Items of needed equipment should be individually
listed by description and estimated cost, inclusive of tax, and
adequately justified. The destination and purpose of budgeted travel
and its relation to the research, should be specified. Anticipated
consultant services should be justified and information furnished on
each individual's expertise, primary organizational affiliation, daily
compensation rate and number of days of expected service. Consultant's
travel costs should be listed separately under travel in the budget.
c. Cost Proposal
In the event there are multiple projects proposed in a submittal, a
separate cost proposal should be included for each project proposed for
funding. The cost proposal should have sufficient detail that an
independent evaluation of the labor, materials, equipment and other
costs as well as a verification of the proposed cost share can be
performed.
B. Notices to Applicants
a. False Statements
Applications must set forth full, accurate, and complete
information as required by this solicitation. The penalty for making
false statements is prescribed in 18 U.S.C. 1001.
b. Application Clarification
DOE reserves the right to require applications to be clarified or
supplemented to the extent considered necessary either through
additional written submissions or oral presentations.
c. Amendments
All amendments to this solicitation will be mailed to recipients
who submit a written request for the DOE Application Instruction
package.
d. Applicant's Past Performance
DOE reserves the right to solicit from available sources relevant
information concerning an applicant's past performance and may consider
such information in its evaluation.
e. Commitment of Public Funds
The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally
commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection
with the proposed award. Any other commitment, either explicit or
implied, is invalid.
f. Effective Period of Application
All applications should remain in effect for at least 180 days from
the closing date.
g. Availability of Funds
The actual amount of funds to be obligated in each fiscal year will
be subject to availability of funds appropriated by Congress. DOE
reserves the right to fund in whole or in part, any, all or none of the
applications submitted in response to this solicitation.
h. Assurances and Certifications
DOE requires the submission of preaward assurances of compliance
and certifications which are mandated by law. Prospective applicants
intending to submit an application in response to this solicitation
should request a DOE Application Instruction package, which includes
standard forms, assurances and certifications, by notifying the DOE
Contract Specialist. It is advised that prospective applicants submit
their requests in writing no later than July 13, 1995.
i. Questions & Answers
Questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted in
writing to the DOE Contract Specialist no later than July 17, 1995.
Questions and answers will be issued in writing as an amendment to this
solicitation.
j. Preaward Costs
The government is not liable for any costs incurred in preparation
of an application. Awardees may incur preaward costs up to ninety (90)
days prior to the effective date of award. Should the awardee take such
action, it is done so at the awardee's risk and does not impose any
obligation on the DOE to issue an award (10 CFR 600.103)
k. Patents, Data, and Copyrights
Applicants are advised that patents, data, and copyrights will be
treated in accordance with 10 CFR 600.33.
l. Environmental Impact
An applicant environmental checklist will be provided in the DOE
Application Instruction package. Award will not be made until all
environmental requirements are completed.
m. EPACT
Applicants shall be required to comply with Section 2306 of the
Energy [[Page 32952]] Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) [42 U.S.C. 13525], in
the event EPACT applies to financial assistance instruments issued as a
result of this solicitation. A copy of Section 2306 will be included in
the DOE Application Instruction package.
Procurement Request Number: 07-95ID13375.000.
Dated: June 9, 1995.
R. Jeffrey Hoyles,
Director, Procurement Services Division.
[FR Doc. 95-15546 Filed 6-23-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P