[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 44 (Monday, March 8, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 11001]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-5615]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy


Optional Preproposal Process for the National Industrial 
Competitiveness Through Energy, Environment and Economics (NICE \3\) 
Program

AGENCY: Golden Field Office, Department of Energy (DOE).

ACTION: Notice. Optional preproposal process for potential applicants 
under the DOE NICE \3\ program solicitation.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Industrial Technologies of the Department of 
Energy is funding a State Grant Program entitled National Industrial 
Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics (NICE\3\). 
The goals of the NICE\3\ Program are to improve energy efficiency, 
promote cleaner production, and to improve competitiveness in industry.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The intent of the NICE\3\ program is to fund projects that have 
completed the research and development stage and are ready to 
demonstrate a fully integrated commercial unit. Eligible applicants for 
funding include any authorized agency of 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. Local governments, 
State and private universities, private non-profits, private 
businesses, and individuals, who are not eligible as direct applicants, 
must work with the appropriate State agencies in developing projects 
and forming participation arrangements. The state applicant is required 
to have an industrial partner to be eligible for grant consideration.
    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number assigned to this 
program is 81.105. It is anticipated that up to $6 million in Federal 
funds will be made available in FY 2000 by DOE for the May 1999 
solicitation. 50% cost sharing is required by all applicants and/or 
cooperating project participants. The DOE share for each award shall 
not exceed $425,000. The industrial partner may receive a maximum of 
$400,000 in DOE funding. A maximum of $25,000, or 10% of the total 
amount to industry, whichever is less, may be used to support the state 
applicant's cost share, if any, for costs associated with technology 
transfer/dissemination, marketing, etc.

Preproposal

    Prior to issuance of the solicitation, the DOE offers potential 
applicants a chance to submit to the Golden Field Office a brief 
description of their proposed project. The submissions should not 
exceed two pages and should adhere to the format laid out in the 
preproposal format. DOE's technical staff will review these abstracts 
and provide constructive feedback to the potential applicant within a 
two week period. The submission of a preproposal abstract is not 
mandatory for submitting an application under the May 1999 
solicitation. The DOE reviews and comments under the preproposal 
process will not be used by DOE in evaluating or awarding applications 
under the solicitation. All abstracts must be submitted through a state 
agency.

DATES: A brief description of the proposed project can be submitted to 
the Golden Field Office on or before April 2, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Hass, at (303) 275-4728, or Steve 
Blazek, at (303) 275-4723, at the U.S. Department of Energy Golden 
Field Office, 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401, FAX (303) 
275-4788. In addition, information on the NICE\3\ program can be 
located at http//www.oit.doe.gov/Access/nice3. The Contract Specialist 
is James Damm, at (303) 275-4744.

    Issued in Golden, Colorado, on February 25, 1999.
Matthew A. Barron,
Acting Procurement Director, GO.
[FR Doc. 99-5615 Filed 3-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P