[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]



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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.

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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