[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 198 (Friday, October 13, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53348-53352]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-25352]



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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Geothermal Reservoir Technology Research; Financial Assistance 
Solicitation

AGENCY: Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office.

ACTION: Solicitation for Financial Assistance: Geothermal Reservoir 
Technology Research, Development and Demonstration.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office 
(ID), is seeking applications for research, development and 
demonstration (field testing) in the area of Geothermal Reservoir 
Technology. The research is to 

[[Page 53349]]
be directed toward new technologies for exploration, identification of 
fractures, and location of fracture permeability. This is the complete 
solicitation document. This solicitation will remain open for two 
years.

DATES: Applications may be submitted at any time during the open two 
year solicitation period. The open period (that is, the time period 
during which applications will be accepted from applicants by DOE) for 
submission and receipt of applications in response to this solicitation 
is the twenty-four month period beginning on October 1, 1995 and ending 
at 4 p.m. MDT on September 30, 1997.
    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 writing to the DOE Contract Specialist. Facsimile 
requests are authorized.

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be submitted to: Procurement Services 
Division; Attention: SOL DE-PS07-96ID13399 (Bruns/Bauer); U. S. 
Department of Energy; Idaho Operations Office; 850 Energy Drive, MS 
1221; Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401-1563.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Bruns, Contract Specialist, 
telephone (208) 526-1534, facsimile (208) 526-5548. The Contracting 
Officer is Brad Bauer, (208) 526-0090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background:

    Projects sponsored by the DOE Office of Utility Technologies, 
Geothermal Division are based on the needs and concerns of the 
geothermal industry. One of the goals of this program is to advance the 
technology in geothermal reservoir identification by funding 
development and verification of research related to new technology for 
exploration, identification of fractures and location of fracture 
permeability. As part of this program, this solicitation for DOE 
financial assistance applications is being issued. Statutory authority 
for the issuance of this solicitation is Public Law 93-410, the 
Geothermal Energy Research, Development & Demonstration Act of 1974.

Project Description

    DOE anticipates awarding several Financial Assistance Grants/
Cooperative Agreements in accordance with DOE Financial Assistance 
regulations appearing at Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 
Chapter II, Subchapter H, Part 600 (hereafter 10 CFR 600.xxx) if 
funding is available. Under Cooperative Agreements it is anticipated 
there will be substantial involvement by DOE in accordance with 10 CFR 
600.302. Federal funds available for this solicitation are expected to 
be from $0--$5,000,000 annually. No fee or profit will be paid to the 
award recipients.

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this 
program is 81.087.

    Applicants must identify a project period which does not exceed 5 
years. Applications identifying a project period for two years or less 
may be eligible for DOE funding of up to $700,000 for the entire 
project period. Projects for greater than 2 years may not exceed 
$400,000 per year of DOE funding.
    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, there is sufficient progress in the research 
effort, and the recipient has completed the work in compliance with a 
mutually agreed management plan and identifies the new work planned, 
DOE may make a continuation award to undertake further work. 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 in the earth science aspects of 
hydrothermal resources. The research in this program is intended to 
combine laboratory and analytical investigations with equipment 
development and field testing to evaluate the utility of various 
analytical techniques. Successful applicants should recognize that 
geological, geochemical, geophysical, hydrological, and reservoir 
engineering characteristics of geothermal resources are highly 
interrelated, and close coordination should be maintained between all 
geoscientific aspects of the research activities.
    Geothermal development is slowed in the United States by the lack 
of reliable techniques to locate new geothermal resources in areas with 
no surface manifestations. Industry has identified the critical need 
for new technology development to locate and characterize permeable 
fractures in geothermal areas. Geothermal development depends on 
fracture permeability to produce high flow rates of hot water or steam, 
and fractures are difficult to locate. These problems have resulted in 
lower drilling success rates and, consequently, higher drilling costs. 
Techniques are needed to characterize fractures, to define reservoir 
boundaries, to assess fluid recharge, and to understand complex 
reservoirs. Many reservoirs have not reached full production potential 
because they cannot be sufficiently characterized to allow development 
of effective exploitation strategies. Production in geothermal fields 
may be limited by the available fluid, and efficient injection methods 
are needed to recover the large quantities of thermal energy still 
remaining in the reservoir. Chemical reactions between the fluids and 
rocks comprising a geothermal system may affect the productivity of a 
geothermal field and also impact surface operations.
    Projects are sought in three interrelated research areas: (1) 
Exploration Technology--research to provide better tools, methods and 
data for resource identification; (2) Production and Injection 
Technology--research to reduce the risks associated with reservoir 
performance and to gain a better understanding of the effects of fluid 
injection into producing reservoirs; and (3) Advanced Brine Chemistry 
Technology--research to predict the chemical interaction of geothermal 
fluids and injectate with rocks, wells, and surface pipes.
    An integral part of this program is the collection and release to 
the public of geoscientific data that can be used in the exploration 
and development of geothermal resources. The applicant's methods for 
transferring the technical information to the geothermal industry must 
be presented in the application.

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 the geothermal 
industry and the relationship to the objectives of the solicitation
1.2  Organizational Plan
1.3  Specialized Experience
1.4  Total costs broken down by task including overhead costs and non-
federal cost share commitments if applicable
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  Geothermal Technology Status including Emerging Technologies
2.2  Worldwide Technology Status including Emerging Technologies 

[[Page 53350]]

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  Technical feasibility and targets
3.4  Hurdles to be overcome by 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 
if applicable
4.8  Technology transfer plan 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

Qualified Applicants

    For profit and not for profit organizations, state and local 
governments, Indian tribes and institutions of higher learning may 
submit applications in response to this solicitation. Applications may 
include Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, but only as 
lower tier participants with funding for their expected costs provided 
through their existing arrangements with the Government. OMB A-95 
clearance is not required. Applicants may submit more than one 
application for any area of research within the scope of this 
solicitation. However, each application for research shall be submitted 
as an individual application submission.
    An application which provides for the continuation of research 
previously funded by DOE under a financial assistance instrument may be 
evaluated and considered for selection and award under this 
solicitation, provided that: (1) The proposed research is within the 
specific area of research contemplated by this solicitation; (2) the 
application is received during the open period of this solicitation; 
and (3) the application is fully responsive to the requirements of this 
solicitation.

Application Evaluation

    a. Application Deadlines: The deadlines for receipt of applications 
are as follows: November 16, 1995; January 4, 1996; April 4, 1996; July 
2, 1996; October 3, 1996; January 2, 1997; April 3, 1997; July 2, 1997; 
September 30, 1997. Applications received after 4:00 p.m. MDT on 
September 30, 1997 will be handled in accordance with 10 CFR 600.13.
    b. Selection of Applications: Applications will undergo an initial 
programmatic review and then be held for a competitive evaluation and 
selection. Applications will be evaluated after receipt in the 
evaluation period occurring immediately after the application deadlines 
identified in a. above. Applications which are not selected during an 
evaluation period will not be reconsidered during any subsequent 
evaluation period. However, unsuccessful applicants may resubmit new or 
modified applications for consideration during subsequent evaluation 
periods.
    The initial programmatic review will determine (1) the 
responsiveness and completeness of the application to the requirements 
of the solicitation, and (2) that the application does not unduly 
duplicate work already funded. If, after completion of the initial 
review, an application is determined not to meet the requirements 
stated in this paragraph, the applicant shall be promptly notified that 
its application has been eliminated from any further consideration and 
the general basis for the determination.
    After the selection of a technology for funding, DOE may, if 
necessary, enter into negotiations with an applicant prior to the award 
of a financial assistance instrument. Such negotiations are not a 
commitment that DOE will make an award. Resultant awards will be 
negotiated, awarded, and administered by DOE in accordance with 10 CFR 
600--Financial Assistance Rules.
    Only those applications which meet all of the requirements of this 
solicitation will be considered for selection. Evaluation, scoring and 
selection will be made in accordance with the following selection 
criteria and programmatic considerations. The applications must be 
fully responsive to each of the criteria.
    Criterion 1: (The Project and Relevance) The overall scientific and 
technical merit of the application including the merit and value of 
related research performed by the Applicant. The appropriateness of the 
proposed method or approach in helping DOE to achieve its research 
program goals identified in this solicitation;
    Criterion 2: (The People and The Workplace) The qualifications, 
capabilities, experience, and demonstrated past performance of the 
applicant, principal investigator, and/or key personnel. The adequacy 
of the applicant's facilities and resources;
    Criterion 3--(Management) The adequacy of the applicant's 
management plan;
    Criterion 4--(The Cost) The realism of the proposed costs relative 
to known research conducted under similar circumstances. While cost 
share is not mandatory, any cost share proposed which meets the 
requirements of 10 CFR 600.123 will be given positive consideration;
    Criterion 5--(Technology Transfer) The clear identification of a 
viable method to facilitate the transfer of the technology to the 
geothermal industry at the earliest practicable time.
    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 has a maximum point value of 45. Criterion 2 has a 
maximum point value of 25. Criterion 3, 4, and 5 each have a point 
value of 10.
    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 consideration:

    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 geothermal industry.

    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). Selection of applications for 
negotiation is anticipated to be made no later than 60 days after the 
dates identified in paragraph b. immediately above. It is 

[[Page 53351]]
anticipated that award of financial assistance instruments will be made 
no later than 60 days after selection of applications for negotiation.

General Conditions

    The applications will be evaluated in accordance with the procedure 
for ``Objective Merit Review of Discretionary Financial Assistance 
Applications,'' 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 their 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 
promptly after selection decisions have been made. Status of any 
application during the evaluation and selection process will not be 
discussed with the applicants. Unsuccessful applications will not be 
returned.

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 face sheet 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 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.
    Applicants 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. 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 Application: The cost application 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 (if any) can be performed. Complete cost detail should be 
broken down by task.

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 
published in the Federal Register.
    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 submission 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. 

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    h. Loans under DOE Minority Economic Impact (MEI) Loan Program: 
Applicants are advised that loans under the DOE MEI Loan Program are 
not available to finance the cost of preparing an application pursuant 
to this solicitation.
    i. Assurances and Certifications: DOE requires the submission of 
preaward assurances of compliance and certifications which are mandated 
by law. The assurance and certification forms will be provided in the 
DOE Application Instruction package.
    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 600.125).
    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. Buy American Requirements: Congress may, through appropriations 
legislation, require applicants to comply with sections 2 through 4 of 
the Act of March 3, 1933 (41 U.S.C. 10a-10c, popularly known as the 
``Buy American Act''). Proposers are advised that they should be 
prepared to comply with this requirement.
    n. EPACT: Section 2306 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT) [42 
U.S.C. 13525] does not apply to financial assistance instruments issued 
as a result of this solicitation.

    Dated: September 22, 1995.
B. G. Bauer,
Acting Director, Procurement Services Division.
[FR Doc. 95-25352 Filed 10-12-95; 8:45am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P