81_FR_10894 81 FR 10853 - Request for Information: Clean Energy Investment Center

81 FR 10853 - Request for Information: Clean Energy Investment Center

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 41 (March 2, 2016)

Page Range10853-10856
FR Document2016-04625

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE or the Department) Clean Energy Investment Center (CEIC), a component of the Office of Technology Transitions, is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gain public input on its efforts to expand and facilitate public access to the Department's resources and to mobilize investment in U.S. clean energy technology. The CEIC also is seeking information through this RFI to further define the scope and priorities of the services it provides to the general public, specifically to mission-driven investors, as well as the investment community more broadly. The information collected may be used for internal CEIC planning and decision-making to ensure that future activities maximize public benefit while advancing the Administration's goals for leading the world in building a competitive, clean energy economy; securing America's energy future; reducing carbon pollution; and creating domestic jobs.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 41 (Wednesday, March 2, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 2, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10853-10856]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-04625]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Request for Information: Clean Energy Investment Center

AGENCY: Department of Energy (DOE).

ACTION: Request for Information (RFI).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE or the Department) Clean 
Energy Investment Center (CEIC), a component of the Office of 
Technology Transitions, is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) 
to gain public input on its efforts to expand and facilitate public 
access to the Department's resources and to mobilize investment in U.S. 
clean energy technology. The CEIC also is seeking information through 
this RFI to further define the scope and priorities of the services it 
provides to the general public, specifically to mission-driven 
investors, as well as the investment community more broadly. The 
information collected may be used for internal CEIC planning and 
decision-making to ensure that future activities maximize public 
benefit while advancing the Administration's goals for leading the 
world in building a competitive, clean energy economy; securing 
America's energy future; reducing carbon pollution; and creating 
domestic jobs.

DATES: Written comments and information are requested on or before 
March 31, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Comments must be submitted electronically to 
[email protected]. Responses must be provided as a Microsoft Word (.doc) 
or (.docx) attachment to the email with no more than 3 pages in length 
for each category section listed in the RFI. Only electronic responses 
will be accepted.
    Response Guidance: Please identify your answers by responding to a 
specific question or topic if possible. Respondents may answer as many 
or as few questions as they wish.
    The CEIC will not respond to individual submissions or publish a 
public compendium of responses. A response to this RFI will not be 
viewed as a binding commitment to develop or pursue the project or 
ideas discussed.
    Respondents are requested to provide the following information at 
the start of their response to this RFI:
     Company/institution name;
     Company/institution contact;
     Contact's address, phone number, and email address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information 
may be submitted electronically to Marcos Gonzales Harsha at 
[email protected] or by contacting the Department of Energy at 202-586-
5000.

[[Page 10854]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Background: In February 2015, the White House launched the Clean 
Energy Investment Initiative to catalyze expanded private sector 
investment in climate change solutions, including innovative 
technologies with breakthrough potential to reduce carbon pollution. To 
support this initiative, the Department of Energy formally launched the 
DOE Clean Energy Investment Center (CEIC) in January 2016, with the 
mandate to make the Department's resources more readily available and 
understandable to the public and to create pathways that enable 
expanded access to the unique technical expertise and analytical 
capabilities within DOE's programs, sites, and 17 national laboratories 
located across the country. The CEIC's goal is to advance private, 
mission-oriented investment in clean energy technologies that address 
the present gap in U.S. clean tech investment. The CEIC is also charged 
with enhancing the availability of the Department's resources to 
investors and the public.
    To advance this mission, DOE supports a variety of 
commercialization and deployment activities in partnership with its 
national laboratories, universities, businesses, and nonprofit 
organizations. Existing programs include the Loan Programs Office, 
Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, Small Business Vouchers, 
Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer, 
Lab Corps, Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear Technologies, 
and the Technology Commercialization Fund. For more information on 
existing programs, visit: http://energy.gov/technologytransitions/us-department-energys-clean-energy-investment-center.
    However, recent investment trends are cause for some concern. 
According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, global clean energy 
investment has grown significantly over the last 10 years but slowed 
and even plateaued starting in 2009. Meanwhile, early-stage cleantech 
investment (a primary driver of innovation) has steadily fallen in 
recent years. The constrained level of investment in clean energy in 
recent years represents a significant hurdle for commercialization and 
deployment of emerging technologies with game-changing potential. The 
CEIC's role is to enable domestic investment with global impact. This 
role can take many forms and the next section discusses strategic areas 
where the CEIC can contribute.
    Fresh impetus for designing a robust CEIC arrived on December 12, 
2015, when an historic climate agreement was adopted by 195 nations at 
the United Nations climate summit in Paris, France. The goals and 
principles framed in that agreement, as well as the accompanying 
``intended nationally determined contributions'' that defined targets 
for emission reductions and clean energy investment for each 
participating nation, will only be achievable with substantial private 
capital investment. This fact was explicitly recognized through the 
announcement of a public-private Mission Innovation partnership, in 
which 20 nations announced their intent to double public clean energy 
research and development (R&D) spending over the next five years.
    These announcements and commitments present a tremendous 
opportunity for forward-looking investors, and the CEIC is working to 
utilize DOE's considerable resources and expertise to support the 
investor community as it gathers information, develops investment 
principles and policies, and identifies clean energy technology 
investment opportunities. The questions posed in this RFI primarily 
address the specific services and tools the CEIC can develop to 
maximize value of DOE engagement with the investment community and 
support clean energy investment decision making by the public.
    Purpose: The purpose of this RFI is to solicit feedback from 
industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and 
other stakeholders to assist the Office of Technology Transitions with 
further defining the scope and priorities of the services the CEIC will 
provide. This is solely a request for information. The CEIC is not 
accepting applications at this time.
    Disclaimer and Important Notes: This RFI is not a Funding 
Opportunity Announcement (FOA) or request for proposals (RFP) for a 
procurement contract; therefore, the CEIC is not accepting applications 
or proposals at this time. The CEIC may develop programs in the future 
and solicit contracts based on or related to the content and responses 
to this RFI. However, CEIC may also elect not to incorporate responses 
into its program and tool design. There is no guarantee that an RFP or 
FOA will be issued as a result of this RFI. Responding to this RFI does 
not provide any advantage or disadvantage to potential applicants if 
the CEIC chooses to issue a FOA or solicit a contract related to the 
subject matter.
    Any information obtained through this RFI is intended to be used by 
the government on a non-attribution basis for planning and strategy 
development. The CEIC will review and consider all responses as it 
formulates program strategies related to the subjects within this 
request. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR 
15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be 
accepted by the government to form a binding contract. The CEIC will 
not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this RFI. 
Respondents are advised that DOE is under no obligation to acknowledge 
receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents 
with respect to any information submitted. Responses to this RFI do not 
bind the CEIC to any further actions related to this topic.
    Proprietary Information: Because information received in response 
to this RFI may be used to structure future programs and/or otherwise 
be made available to the public, respondents must NOT include any 
information in their responses that might be considered business 
sensitive, proprietary, or otherwise confidential. Responses must be 
submitted with the understanding that their contents may be publicly 
disclosed and, in the event of a public disclosure, DOE will NOT notify 
respondents or provide any opportunity to revise or redact submitted 
information.
    Review by Federal and Non-Federal Personnel: Federal employees are 
subject to the non-disclosure requirements of a criminal statute, the 
Trade Secrets Act, 18 U.S.C. 1905. The government may seek the advice 
of qualified non-federal personnel. The government may also use non-
federal personnel to conduct routine, non-discretionary administrative 
activities. The respondents, by submitting their response(s), consent 
to DOE providing their response(s) to non-federal parties. Non-federal 
parties given access to responses must be subject to an appropriate 
obligation of confidentiality prior to being given the access. 
Submissions may be reviewed by support contractors and private 
consultants.
    Request for Information Categories and Questions:

Category 1: Information Access

Background/Context

    The Department already has numerous programs designed to help U.S. 
energy innovation stakeholders cross the technological and financial 
``valleys of death'' to bring new technology solutions to the market. 
However, there may be opportunities to expand public awareness of these

[[Page 10855]]

programs raise the profile of individual projects/companies with 
investors by providing information about existing awardees supported by 
DOE and, potentially, about unsuccessful applicants who agree to have 
their information shared.
    This approach is reflective of other agencies that have relevant 
programs and connections to the clean energy investment space, 
including activities at the Departments of Agriculture and 
Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Overseas 
Private Investment Corporation and the Export-Import Bank. While the 
CEIC will not be in a position to represent the work of these 
organizations, the Center may still serve as a helpful conduit to non-
DOE programs.

Information Requested

    The following questions may guide, but should not restrict, 
responses:
    1. What type of information would be most useful to investors and 
organizations serving investors (information on individual awardees, 
market analysis, DOE-funded project and patent listings, indication of 
project results and/or others)? Specificity is welcomed.
    2. Would a single internet location that provides a searchable web-
based interface containing information about active programs (and, 
potentially, awardees and applicants) be a high-value tool? Are there 
any examples of similar tools/databases that you consider to be useful? 
How would such a tool benefit the market in general? What elements 
would need to be included to ensure that this is a useful tool?
    3. Are there any current DOE or other federal programs that help 
innovators bring technologies to market (financial or technical 
assistance)? If so, how and where do investors learn about it/them?
    4. Is information on DOE open funding opportunity announcements, 
requests for proposals, and lists of awardees readily available and 
accessible in a useful format?
    5. Currently, most DOE offices and programs have active Web sites. 
Are they useful to investors and provide necessary information?

Category 2: Technical Energy Expertise

Background/Context

    DOE's national laboratory system maintains vital scientific and 
technological capabilities in support of U.S. national security, 
scientific discovery, and economic competitiveness. The laboratories 
offer unique opportunities for the private sector to engage in 
collaborative research and development, licensing agreements, user 
facilities, and to obtain technical assistance. The recent 
establishment of DOE's Office of Technology Transitions has heightened 
the Department's focus on improving coordination and effectiveness of 
the national laboratories in executing their technology transfer 
missions. As part of the suite of services that the CEIC may offer, the 
Department is considering development of an online portal that would 
connect public inquiries with relevant experts within DOE's programs 
and at its 17 national laboratories.
    The technical expertise resident at the national labs is 
complemented by program knowledge within DOE program offices. The 
Department recently released the 2015 Quadrennial Technology Review, a 
study that examines the most promising research, development, 
demonstration, and deployment opportunities across energy technologies 
to effectively address the nation's energy needs, and the Department 
conducts ongoing reviews on the state of technologies.
    Though the Department is not in a position to recommend specific 
investments to private investors, the experts at the Department's 
laboratories and programs are uniquely positioned to provide insight 
into the latest clean energy technology discoveries and emerging 
deployment trends.

Information Requested

    The following questions may guide, but should not restrict, 
responses:
    1. Is sufficient information available to investors about the clean 
energy technology landscape?
    [cir] If not, what are key areas of research, analysis, or 
information sharing that would most contribute to better understanding 
the clean energy technology landscape and markets?
    [cir] Are there any existing modes or channels of communication 
that the Department could use to reach a larger audience?
    [cir] Would case studies about project/company development made 
possible through DOE funding be useful?
    2. DOE undertakes market analysis and mapping of technology 
development pathways. However, are there other key areas of research 
and analysis that would lead to a better understanding of challenge 
areas, broad technical risk, and the current state of clean energy 
technologies that DOE could conduct?
    3. How can the CEIC and the Department better match existing 
national laboratory resources and expertise with the needs of 
investors?
    4. Are clean energy investors aware of the resources/expertise 
available at the national laboratories? Do investors know how to access 
the people and capabilities around the national laboratory complex? If 
so, do investors reach out for information and technical assistance?
    5. Do investors view DOE program and national laboratory employees 
as subject matter experts? Have investors ever tried to obtain 
information directly from DOE or any of the 17 laboratories? If so, are 
there best practices or lessons learned that can be shared?
    6. Would a searchable web-based interface that facilitates 
connections between investors and technical experts at DOE's programs 
and national laboratories be a high-value tool? Do investors have any 
examples of similar tools/databases that may be useful? If implemented 
correctly, could such a tool lead to more and/or improved clean energy 
investment deals? What questions remain that would need to be answered 
to determine the usefulness of the tool?
    7. What publications/organizations/methods do investors currently 
consult or regard as possessing expertise in specialized information on 
clean energy technology? As applicable, please specify sources used for 
technical review, market review, etc.

Category 3: Stakeholder Engagement and Communications

Background/Context

    Many organizations outside of the government are already working to 
provide information exchanges regarding clean energy technologies and 
partnering on shared objectives. However, the Department provides a 
powerful convening and communication forum for facilitated engagement 
between the government and the investment community. The joint public-
private Mission Innovation announcement, during which 28 high-net-worth 
individuals from 10 countries announced their intent to commit billions 
of dollars to clean energy R&D through an initiative of the 
Breakthrough Energy Coalition, is an example of the importance of a 
direct public role in spurring activity. The CEIC is able to build on 
this convening ability, and events such as Innovation Interface 
sessions can be resources for sharing information about the 
Department's program offices. In this section, the CEIC is interested 
in learning more about where clean energy investors gather regionally 
and nationally, and how and where they prefer to receive information.

[[Page 10856]]

Information Requested

    The following questions may guide, but should not restrict, 
responses:
    1. Do clean energy investors see value in participating in a 
structured visit to DOE and/or any of its facilities/laboratories? What 
kind of information would be most useful to obtain/learn about during 
such a visit?
    2. Are you aware of/do you represent any organization(s) in the 
clean energy field that would be able to provide useful information to 
the CEIC team? What events present the best opportunities for the CEIC 
to engage in valuable dialogue/interactions, inform the general public 
about the clean energy landscape, and/or connect with new or 
prospective investors? In which events, conferences, or settings would 
you like to see CEIC participation?
    3. What kinds of communication channels are most useful/effective? 
What is the best way for investors and the public to receive 
information and updates?
    4. Do investors obtain most of your information from academic 
articles, data aggregators, analytical and advisory firms, or other 
sources? Where do investors search for information pertaining to 
innovations, early stage research, or clean energy investment?
    5. Are there any other successful federal or non-federal models for 
engagement and communication that should be adopted by the CEIC?

Category 4: Open

Background/Context

    The CEIC recognizes that there may be tools and services other than 
those discussed in this RFI that may be useful to investors. This 
category serves as an open call for suggestions on how to effectively 
align the CEIC and its programs with the needs of its customers (the 
public, investors, and industry) and overarching Administration goals.

Information Requested

    The following questions may guide, but should not restrict, 
responses:
    1. What are the greatest concerns with investing in the clean 
energy technology space? What sort of information/assistance would 
provide greater comfort with this category?
    2. In general, how can the CEIC (and the federal government more 
broadly) most effectively help to catalyze further clean energy 
investment? In particular, how can CEIC most effectively advance the 
following goals:
    a. Unlock new sources of capital and foster more effective 
investment models to scale innovative clean energy companies;
    b. Facilitate match-making between early-stage companies and 
potential investors and customers;
    c. Support the development of innovative marketplaces for early-
stage investment, including crowd-funding platforms;
    d. Enhance activity and engagement with corporate investors/
strategic investors, including utilities;
    e. Catalyze the formation of long-term, patient capital funds for 
energy technology development;
    f. Leverage philanthropic capital through program-related 
investments, mission-related investments, and other mechanisms;
    g. Encourage more clean energy venture dollars focused on U.S.-
based companies with high potential for domestic economic benefit; and
    h. Leverage existing programs (e.g., SBIR) to be of best use to the 
clean energy investment community.
    3. Is there any other information, other approaches, or other data 
that would be useful to investors?
    4. Are there any other tools that would be useful to investors or 
key stakeholders that were not discussed above?
    5. What are the greatest challenges when it comes to investing in 
clean energy?
    6. Is there any information about investment principles and/or 
investment policy statements as it pertains to clean energy investments 
that could be shared with other investors and the public?
    7. What DOE (or other state/federal) finance and commercialization 
programs are available, and should anything about them be changed to 
enhance their utility?

    Issued in Washington, DC, on February 25, 2016.
Sanjiv Malhotra,
Director, Clean Energy Investment Center.
[FR Doc. 2016-04625 Filed 3-1-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P



                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 41 / Wednesday, March 2, 2016 / Notices                                             10853

                                                  GAN also incorporates your approved                     whether the grantee has expended funds                DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
                                                  application as part of your binding                     in a manner that is consistent with its
                                                  commitments under the grant.                            approved application and budget; and,                 Request for Information: Clean Energy
                                                     3. Reporting: (a) If you apply for a                 if the Secretary has established                      Investment Center
                                                  grant under this competition, you must                  performance measurement
                                                  ensure that you have in place the                                                                             AGENCY:    Department of Energy (DOE).
                                                                                                          requirements, the performance targets in
                                                  necessary processes and systems to                      the grantee’s approved application.                   ACTION:   Request for Information (RFI).
                                                  comply with the reporting requirements                     In making a continuation award, the                SUMMARY:   The U.S. Department of
                                                  in 2 CFR part 170 should you receive                    Secretary also considers whether the                  Energy’s (DOE or the Department) Clean
                                                  funding under the competition. This                     grantee is operating in compliance with               Energy Investment Center (CEIC), a
                                                  does not apply if you have an exception                 the assurances in its approved                        component of the Office of Technology
                                                  under 2 CFR 170.110(b).                                 application, including those applicable               Transitions, is issuing this Request for
                                                     (b) At the end of your project period,               to Federal civil rights laws that prohibit            Information (RFI) to gain public input
                                                  you must submit a final performance                     discrimination in programs or activities              on its efforts to expand and facilitate
                                                  report, including financial information,                receiving Federal financial assistance                public access to the Department’s
                                                  as directed by the Secretary. If you                    from the Department (34 CFR 100.4,                    resources and to mobilize investment in
                                                  receive a multiyear award, you must                     104.5, 106.4, 108.8, and 110.23).                     U.S. clean energy technology. The CEIC
                                                  submit an annual performance report
                                                                                                          VII. Agency Contacts                                  also is seeking information through this
                                                  that provides the most current
                                                                                                                                                                RFI to further define the scope and
                                                  performance and financial expenditure                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:     Don              priorities of the services it provides to
                                                  information as directed by the Secretary                Crews, U.S. Department of Education,                  the general public, specifically to
                                                  under 34 CFR 75.118. The Secretary                      400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room                         mission-driven investors, as well as the
                                                  may also require more frequent                          7E311, Washington, DC 20202. You may                  investment community more broadly.
                                                  performance reports under 34 CFR                        contact this individual at the following              The information collected may be used
                                                  75.720(c). For specific requirements on                 email address or telephone number:                    for internal CEIC planning and decision-
                                                  reporting, please go to www.ed.gov/                     Don.Crews@ed.gov; (202) 453–7920. If                  making to ensure that future activities
                                                  fund/grant/apply/appforms/                              you use a TDD or a TTY, call the FRS,                 maximize public benefit while
                                                  appforms.html.                                          toll free, at 1–800–877–8339.                         advancing the Administration’s goals for
                                                     4. Performance Measures: The
                                                                                                          VIII. Other Information                               leading the world in building a
                                                  Secretary has established the following
                                                                                                                                                                competitive, clean energy economy;
                                                  key performance measures for assessing                     Accessible Format: Individuals with                securing America’s energy future;
                                                  the effectiveness of the NASNTI                         disabilities can obtain this document                 reducing carbon pollution; and creating
                                                  Program:                                                and a copy of the application package in
                                                     a. The percentage change, over a five-                                                                     domestic jobs.
                                                                                                          an accessible format (e.g., braille, large
                                                  year period, of the number of full-time,                                                                      DATES: Written comments and
                                                                                                          print, audiotape, or compact disc) on
                                                  degree-seeking undergraduates enrolling                                                                       information are requested on or before
                                                                                                          request to the program contact persons
                                                  at NASNTIs. Note that this is a long-                                                                         March 31, 2016.
                                                                                                          listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
                                                  term measure, which will be used to                                                                           ADDRESSES: Comments must be
                                                                                                          CONTACT in section VII of this notice.
                                                  periodically gauge performance;                            Electronic Access to This Document:                submitted electronically to CEIC@
                                                     b. The percentage of first-time, full-               The official version of this document is              hq.doe.gov. Responses must be provided
                                                  time degree-seeking undergraduate                       the document published in the Federal                 as a Microsoft Word (.doc) or (.docx)
                                                  students at four-year NASNTIs who                       Register. Free Internet access to the                 attachment to the email with no more
                                                  were in their first year of postsecondary               official edition of the Federal Register              than 3 pages in length for each category
                                                  enrollment in the previous year and are                 and the Code of Federal Regulations is                section listed in the RFI. Only electronic
                                                  enrolled in the current year at the same                available via the Federal Digital System              responses will be accepted.
                                                  NASNTI;                                                 at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys. At this site you                  Response Guidance: Please identify
                                                     c. The percentage of first-time, full-               can view this document, as well as all                your answers by responding to a
                                                  time degree-seeking undergraduate                       other documents of this Department                    specific question or topic if possible.
                                                  students at two-year NASNTIs who                        published in the Federal Register, in                 Respondents may answer as many or as
                                                  were in their first year of postsecondary               text or PDF. To use PDF you must have                 few questions as they wish.
                                                  enrollment in the previous year and are                                                                          The CEIC will not respond to
                                                                                                          Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is
                                                  enrolled in the current year at the same                                                                      individual submissions or publish a
                                                                                                          available free at the site.
                                                  NASNTI;                                                                                                       public compendium of responses. A
                                                                                                             You may also access documents of the
                                                     d. The percentage of first-time, full-                                                                     response to this RFI will not be viewed
                                                                                                          Department published in the Federal
                                                  time degree-seeking undergraduate                                                                             as a binding commitment to develop or
                                                                                                          Register by using the article search
                                                  students enrolled at four-year NASNTIs                                                                        pursue the project or ideas discussed.
                                                                                                          feature at: www.federalregister.gov.
                                                  who graduate within six years of                                                                                 Respondents are requested to provide
                                                                                                          Specifically, through the advanced
                                                  enrollment; and                                                                                               the following information at the start of
                                                                                                          search feature at this site, you can limit
                                                     e. The percentage of first-time, full-                                                                     their response to this RFI:
                                                                                                          your search to documents published by                    • Company/institution name;
                                                  time degree-seeking undergraduate
                                                                                                          the Department.                                          • Company/institution contact;
                                                  students enrolled at two-year NASNTIs
                                                                                                                                                                   • Contact’s address, phone number,
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                  who graduate within three years of                         Dated: February 26, 2016.
                                                  enrollment.                                             Lynn Mahaffie,                                        and email address.
                                                     5. Continuation Awards: In making a                  Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy,                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                  continuation award under 34 CFR                         Planning and Innovation Delegated the Duties          Requests for additional information may
                                                  75.253, the Secretary considers, among                  of Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary              be submitted electronically to Marcos
                                                  other things: Whether a grantee has                     Education.                                            Gonzales Harsha at CEIC@hq.doe.gov or
                                                  made substantial progress in achieving                  [FR Doc. 2016–04593 Filed 3–1–16; 8:45 am]            by contacting the Department of Energy
                                                  the goals and objectives of the project;                BILLING CODE 4000–01–P                                at 202–586–5000.


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   19:10 Mar 01, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00027   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM   02MRN1


                                                  10854                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 41 / Wednesday, March 2, 2016 / Notices

                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              adopted by 195 nations at the United                  for planning and strategy development.
                                                     Background: In February 2015, the                    Nations climate summit in Paris,                      The CEIC will review and consider all
                                                  White House launched the Clean Energy                   France. The goals and principles framed               responses as it formulates program
                                                  Investment Initiative to catalyze                       in that agreement, as well as the                     strategies related to the subjects within
                                                  expanded private sector investment in                   accompanying ‘‘intended nationally                    this request. In accordance with Federal
                                                  climate change solutions, including                     determined contributions’’ that defined               Acquisition Regulations, 48 CFR
                                                  innovative technologies with                            targets for emission reductions and                   15.201(e), responses to this notice are
                                                  breakthrough potential to reduce carbon                 clean energy investment for each                      not offers and cannot be accepted by the
                                                  pollution. To support this initiative, the              participating nation, will only be                    government to form a binding contract.
                                                  Department of Energy formally                           achievable with substantial private                   The CEIC will not provide
                                                  launched the DOE Clean Energy                           capital investment. This fact was                     reimbursement for costs incurred in
                                                  Investment Center (CEIC) in January                     explicitly recognized through the                     responding to this RFI. Respondents are
                                                  2016, with the mandate to make the                      announcement of a public-private                      advised that DOE is under no obligation
                                                  Department’s resources more readily                     Mission Innovation partnership, in                    to acknowledge receipt of the
                                                  available and understandable to the                     which 20 nations announced their                      information received or provide
                                                  public and to create pathways that                      intent to double public clean energy                  feedback to respondents with respect to
                                                  enable expanded access to the unique                    research and development (R&D)                        any information submitted. Responses
                                                  technical expertise and analytical                      spending over the next five years.                    to this RFI do not bind the CEIC to any
                                                  capabilities within DOE’s programs,                       These announcements and                             further actions related to this topic.
                                                  sites, and 17 national laboratories                     commitments present a tremendous                         Proprietary Information: Because
                                                  located across the country. The CEIC’s                  opportunity for forward-looking                       information received in response to this
                                                  goal is to advance private, mission-                    investors, and the CEIC is working to                 RFI may be used to structure future
                                                  oriented investment in clean energy                     utilize DOE’s considerable resources                  programs and/or otherwise be made
                                                  technologies that address the present                   and expertise to support the investor                 available to the public, respondents
                                                  gap in U.S. clean tech investment. The                  community as it gathers information,                  must NOT include any information in
                                                  CEIC is also charged with enhancing the                 develops investment principles and                    their responses that might be considered
                                                  availability of the Department’s                        policies, and identifies clean energy                 business sensitive, proprietary, or
                                                  resources to investors and the public.                  technology investment opportunities.                  otherwise confidential. Responses must
                                                     To advance this mission, DOE                         The questions posed in this RFI                       be submitted with the understanding
                                                  supports a variety of commercialization                 primarily address the specific services               that their contents may be publicly
                                                  and deployment activities in                            and tools the CEIC can develop to                     disclosed and, in the event of a public
                                                  partnership with its national                           maximize value of DOE engagement                      disclosure, DOE will NOT notify
                                                  laboratories, universities, businesses,                 with the investment community and                     respondents or provide any opportunity
                                                  and nonprofit organizations. Existing                   support clean energy investment                       to revise or redact submitted
                                                  programs include the Loan Programs                      decision making by the public.                        information.
                                                  Office, Advanced Research Projects                        Purpose: The purpose of this RFI is to                 Review by Federal and Non-Federal
                                                  Agency-Energy, Small Business                           solicit feedback from industry,                       Personnel: Federal employees are
                                                  Vouchers, Small Business Innovation                     academia, research laboratories,                      subject to the non-disclosure
                                                  Research/Small Business Technology                      government agencies, and other                        requirements of a criminal statute, the
                                                  Transfer, Lab Corps, Gateway for                        stakeholders to assist the Office of                  Trade Secrets Act, 18 U.S.C. 1905. The
                                                  Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear                       Technology Transitions with further                   government may seek the advice of
                                                  Technologies, and the Technology                        defining the scope and priorities of the              qualified non-federal personnel. The
                                                  Commercialization Fund. For more                        services the CEIC will provide. This is
                                                                                                                                                                government may also use non-federal
                                                  information on existing programs, visit:                solely a request for information. The
                                                                                                                                                                personnel to conduct routine, non-
                                                  http://energy.gov/technologytransitions/                CEIC is not accepting applications at
                                                                                                                                                                discretionary administrative activities.
                                                  us-department-energys-clean-energy-                     this time.
                                                                                                            Disclaimer and Important Notes: This                The respondents, by submitting their
                                                  investment-center.
                                                     However, recent investment trends                    RFI is not a Funding Opportunity                      response(s), consent to DOE providing
                                                  are cause for some concern. According                   Announcement (FOA) or request for                     their response(s) to non-federal parties.
                                                  to Bloomberg New Energy Finance,                        proposals (RFP) for a procurement                     Non-federal parties given access to
                                                  global clean energy investment has                      contract; therefore, the CEIC is not                  responses must be subject to an
                                                  grown significantly over the last 10                    accepting applications or proposals at                appropriate obligation of confidentiality
                                                  years but slowed and even plateaued                     this time. The CEIC may develop                       prior to being given the access.
                                                  starting in 2009. Meanwhile, early-stage                programs in the future and solicit                    Submissions may be reviewed by
                                                  cleantech investment (a primary driver                  contracts based on or related to the                  support contractors and private
                                                  of innovation) has steadily fallen in                   content and responses to this RFI.                    consultants.
                                                  recent years. The constrained level of                  However, CEIC may also elect not to                      Request for Information Categories
                                                  investment in clean energy in recent                    incorporate responses into its program                and Questions:
                                                  years represents a significant hurdle for               and tool design. There is no guarantee                Category 1: Information Access
                                                  commercialization and deployment of                     that an RFP or FOA will be issued as a
                                                  emerging technologies with game-                        result of this RFI. Responding to this                Background/Context
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                                                  changing potential. The CEIC’s role is to               RFI does not provide any advantage or                    The Department already has
                                                  enable domestic investment with global                  disadvantage to potential applicants if               numerous programs designed to help
                                                  impact. This role can take many forms                   the CEIC chooses to issue a FOA or                    U.S. energy innovation stakeholders
                                                  and the next section discusses strategic                solicit a contract related to the subject             cross the technological and financial
                                                  areas where the CEIC can contribute.                    matter.                                               ‘‘valleys of death’’ to bring new
                                                     Fresh impetus for designing a robust                   Any information obtained through                    technology solutions to the market.
                                                  CEIC arrived on December 12, 2015,                      this RFI is intended to be used by the                However, there may be opportunities to
                                                  when an historic climate agreement was                  government on a non-attribution basis                 expand public awareness of these


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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 41 / Wednesday, March 2, 2016 / Notices                                            10855

                                                  programs raise the profile of individual                sector to engage in collaborative                        4. Are clean energy investors aware of
                                                  projects/companies with investors by                    research and development, licensing                   the resources/expertise available at the
                                                  providing information about existing                    agreements, user facilities, and to obtain            national laboratories? Do investors
                                                  awardees supported by DOE and,                          technical assistance. The recent                      know how to access the people and
                                                  potentially, about unsuccessful                         establishment of DOE’s Office of                      capabilities around the national
                                                  applicants who agree to have their                      Technology Transitions has heightened                 laboratory complex? If so, do investors
                                                  information shared.                                     the Department’s focus on improving                   reach out for information and technical
                                                    This approach is reflective of other                  coordination and effectiveness of the                 assistance?
                                                  agencies that have relevant programs                    national laboratories in executing their                 5. Do investors view DOE program
                                                  and connections to the clean energy                     technology transfer missions. As part of              and national laboratory employees as
                                                  investment space, including activities at               the suite of services that the CEIC may               subject matter experts? Have investors
                                                  the Departments of Agriculture and                      offer, the Department is considering                  ever tried to obtain information directly
                                                  Transportation, the Environmental                       development of an online portal that                  from DOE or any of the 17 laboratories?
                                                  Protection Agency, the Overseas Private                 would connect public inquiries with                   If so, are there best practices or lessons
                                                  Investment Corporation and the Export-                  relevant experts within DOE’s programs                learned that can be shared?
                                                  Import Bank. While the CEIC will not be                 and at its 17 national laboratories.                     6. Would a searchable web-based
                                                  in a position to represent the work of                    The technical expertise resident at the             interface that facilitates connections
                                                  these organizations, the Center may still               national labs is complemented by                      between investors and technical experts
                                                  serve as a helpful conduit to non-DOE                   program knowledge within DOE                          at DOE’s programs and national
                                                  programs.                                               program offices. The Department                       laboratories be a high-value tool? Do
                                                                                                          recently released the 2015 Quadrennial                investors have any examples of similar
                                                  Information Requested                                   Technology Review, a study that                       tools/databases that may be useful? If
                                                     The following questions may guide,                   examines the most promising research,                 implemented correctly, could such a
                                                  but should not restrict, responses:                     development, demonstration, and                       tool lead to more and/or improved clean
                                                     1. What type of information would be                 deployment opportunities across energy                energy investment deals? What
                                                  most useful to investors and                            technologies to effectively address the               questions remain that would need to be
                                                  organizations serving investors                         nation’s energy needs, and the                        answered to determine the usefulness of
                                                  (information on individual awardees,                    Department conducts ongoing reviews                   the tool?
                                                  market analysis, DOE-funded project                     on the state of technologies.                            7. What publications/organizations/
                                                  and patent listings, indication of project                Though the Department is not in a                   methods do investors currently consult
                                                  results and/or others)? Specificity is                  position to recommend specific                        or regard as possessing expertise in
                                                  welcomed.                                               investments to private investors, the                 specialized information on clean energy
                                                     2. Would a single internet location                  experts at the Department’s laboratories              technology? As applicable, please
                                                  that provides a searchable web-based                    and programs are uniquely positioned to               specify sources used for technical
                                                  interface containing information about                  provide insight into the latest clean                 review, market review, etc.
                                                  active programs (and, potentially,                      energy technology discoveries and
                                                                                                                                                                Category 3: Stakeholder Engagement
                                                  awardees and applicants) be a high-                     emerging deployment trends.
                                                                                                                                                                and Communications
                                                  value tool? Are there any examples of
                                                                                                          Information Requested
                                                  similar tools/databases that you                                                                              Background/Context
                                                  consider to be useful? How would such                     The following questions may guide,
                                                                                                                                                                  Many organizations outside of the
                                                  a tool benefit the market in general?                   but should not restrict, responses:
                                                                                                            1. Is sufficient information available              government are already working to
                                                  What elements would need to be                                                                                provide information exchanges
                                                  included to ensure that this is a useful                to investors about the clean energy
                                                                                                          technology landscape?                                 regarding clean energy technologies and
                                                  tool?                                                                                                         partnering on shared objectives.
                                                     3. Are there any current DOE or other                  Æ If not, what are key areas of
                                                                                                          research, analysis, or information                    However, the Department provides a
                                                  federal programs that help innovators                                                                         powerful convening and
                                                  bring technologies to market (financial                 sharing that would most contribute to
                                                                                                          better understanding the clean energy                 communication forum for facilitated
                                                  or technical assistance)? If so, how and                                                                      engagement between the government
                                                  where do investors learn about it/them?                 technology landscape and markets?
                                                                                                            Æ Are there any existing modes or                   and the investment community. The
                                                     4. Is information on DOE open                                                                              joint public-private Mission Innovation
                                                  funding opportunity announcements,                      channels of communication that the
                                                                                                          Department could use to reach a larger                announcement, during which 28 high-
                                                  requests for proposals, and lists of                                                                          net-worth individuals from 10 countries
                                                  awardees readily available and                          audience?
                                                                                                            Æ Would case studies about project/                 announced their intent to commit
                                                  accessible in a useful format?                                                                                billions of dollars to clean energy R&D
                                                                                                          company development made possible
                                                     5. Currently, most DOE offices and                                                                         through an initiative of the
                                                                                                          through DOE funding be useful?
                                                  programs have active Web sites. Are                                                                           Breakthrough Energy Coalition, is an
                                                                                                            2. DOE undertakes market analysis
                                                  they useful to investors and provide                                                                          example of the importance of a direct
                                                                                                          and mapping of technology
                                                  necessary information?                                                                                        public role in spurring activity. The
                                                                                                          development pathways. However, are
                                                  Category 2: Technical Energy Expertise                  there other key areas of research and                 CEIC is able to build on this convening
                                                                                                          analysis that would lead to a better                  ability, and events such as Innovation
                                                  Background/Context
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                                                                                                          understanding of challenge areas, broad               Interface sessions can be resources for
                                                    DOE’s national laboratory system                      technical risk, and the current state of              sharing information about the
                                                  maintains vital scientific and                          clean energy technologies that DOE                    Department’s program offices. In this
                                                  technological capabilities in support of                could conduct?                                        section, the CEIC is interested in
                                                  U.S. national security, scientific                        3. How can the CEIC and the                         learning more about where clean energy
                                                  discovery, and economic                                 Department better match existing                      investors gather regionally and
                                                  competitiveness. The laboratories offer                 national laboratory resources and                     nationally, and how and where they
                                                  unique opportunities for the private                    expertise with the needs of investors?                prefer to receive information.


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                                                  10856                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 41 / Wednesday, March 2, 2016 / Notices

                                                  Information Requested                                   to scale innovative clean energy                      ACTION:   Notice.
                                                                                                          companies;
                                                     The following questions may guide,                                                                            The Environmental Protection
                                                                                                                                                                SUMMARY:
                                                                                                             b. Facilitate match-making between
                                                  but should not restrict, responses:                     early-stage companies and potential          Agency is planning to submit an
                                                     1. Do clean energy investors see value               investors and customers;                     information collection request (ICR),
                                                  in participating in a structured visit to                  c. Support the development of             ‘‘Collection of Information on Anaerobic
                                                  DOE and/or any of its facilities/                       innovative marketplaces for early-stage      Digestion Facilities Processing Wasted
                                                  laboratories? What kind of information                  investment, including crowd-funding          Food to support EPA’s Sustainable Food
                                                  would be most useful to obtain/learn                    platforms;                                   Management Programs’’ (EPA ICR No.
                                                  about during such a visit?                                 d. Enhance activity and engagement        2533.01, OMB Control No. 2050–NEW)
                                                     2. Are you aware of/do you represent                 with corporate investors/strategic           to the Office of Management and Budget
                                                  any organization(s) in the clean energy                 investors, including utilities;              (OMB) for review and approval in
                                                  field that would be able to provide                        e. Catalyze the formation of long-term,   accordance with the Paperwork
                                                  useful information to the CEIC team?                    patient capital funds for energy             Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
                                                  What events present the best                            technology development;                      Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public
                                                  opportunities for the CEIC to engage in                    f. Leverage philanthropic capital         comments on specific aspects of the
                                                  valuable dialogue/interactions, inform                  through program-related investments,         proposed information collection as
                                                  the general public about the clean                      mission-related investments, and other       described below. This is a request for
                                                  energy landscape, and/or connect with                   mechanisms;                                  approval of a new collection. An
                                                  new or prospective investors? In which                     g. Encourage more clean energy            Agency may not conduct or sponsor,
                                                  events, conferences, or settings would                  venture dollars focused on U.S.-based        and a person is not required to respond
                                                  you like to see CEIC participation?                     companies with high potential for            to, a collection of information unless it
                                                     3. What kinds of communication                       domestic economic benefit; and               displays a currently valid OMB control
                                                  channels are most useful/effective?                        h. Leverage existing programs (e.g.,      number.
                                                  What is the best way for investors and                  SBIR) to be of best use to the clean         DATES: Comments must be submitted on
                                                  the public to receive information and                   energy investment community.                 or before May 2, 2016.
                                                  updates?                                                   3. Is there any other information,
                                                                                                          other approaches, or other data that         ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
                                                     4. Do investors obtain most of your                                                               referencing Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–
                                                  information from academic articles, data                would be useful to investors?
                                                                                                             4. Are there any other tools that         RCRA–2015–0836 online using
                                                  aggregators, analytical and advisory                                                                 www.regulations.gov or by mail to: EPA
                                                  firms, or other sources? Where do                       would be useful to investors or key
                                                                                                          stakeholders that were not discussed         Docket Center, Environmental
                                                  investors search for information                                                                     Protection Agency, Mail Code 228221T,
                                                  pertaining to innovations, early stage                  above?
                                                                                                             5. What are the greatest challenges       1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.,
                                                  research, or clean energy investment?                                                                Washington, DC 20460.
                                                                                                          when it comes to investing in clean
                                                     5. Are there any other successful                                                                    EPA’s policy is that all comments
                                                                                                          energy?
                                                  federal or non-federal models for                          6. Is there any information about         received will be included in the public
                                                  engagement and communication that                       investment principles and/or                 docket without change including any
                                                  should be adopted by the CEIC?                          investment policy statements as it           personal information provided, unless
                                                  Category 4: Open                                        pertains to clean energy investments         the comment includes profanity, threats,
                                                                                                          that could be shared with other              information claimed to be Confidential
                                                  Background/Context                                      investors and the public?                    Business Information (CBI) or other
                                                     The CEIC recognizes that there may be                   7. What DOE (or other state/federal)      information whose disclosure is
                                                  tools and services other than those                     finance and commercialization                restricted by statute.
                                                  discussed in this RFI that may be useful                programs are available, and should           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                  to investors. This category serves as an                anything about them be changed to            Melissa Pennington, U.S. Environmental
                                                  open call for suggestions on how to                     enhance their utility?                       Protection Agency, Region 3, Mail Code
                                                  effectively align the CEIC and its                         Issued in Washington, DC, on February 25, 3LC40, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia,
                                                  programs with the needs of its                          2016.                                        PA 19103; telephone number: 215–814–
                                                  customers (the public, investors, and                   Sanjiv Malhotra,                             3372; fax number: 215–814–3114; email
                                                  industry) and overarching                               Director, Clean Energy Investment Center.    address: pennington.melissa@epa.gov.
                                                  Administration goals.                                   [FR Doc. 2016–04625 Filed 3–1–16; 8:45 am]   SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  Information Requested                                   BILLING CODE 6450–01–P                       Supporting documents which explain in
                                                                                                                                                       detail the information that the EPA will
                                                    The following questions may guide,                                                                 be collecting are available in the public
                                                  but should not restrict, responses:                                                                  docket for this ICR. The docket can be
                                                                                                          ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
                                                    1. What are the greatest concerns with                                                             viewed online at www.regulations.gov
                                                                                                          AGENCY
                                                  investing in the clean energy technology                                                             or in person at the EPA Docket Center,
                                                  space? What sort of information/                        [EPA–HQ–RCRA–2015–0836; FRL–9943–12– WJC West, Room 3334, 1301
                                                  assistance would provide greater                        Region 3]                                    Constitution Ave. NW., Washington,
                                                  comfort with this category?                                                                          DC. The telephone number for the
                                                                                                          Proposed Information Collection
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                                                    2. In general, how can the CEIC (and                                                               Docket Center is 202–566–1744. For
                                                                                                          Request; Comment Request;
                                                  the federal government more broadly)
                                                                                                          Collection of Information on Anaerobic additional information about EPA’s
                                                  most effectively help to catalyze further
                                                                                                          Digestion Facilities Processing Wasted public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/
                                                  clean energy investment? In particular,                                                              dockets.
                                                                                                          Food To Support EPA’s Sustainable
                                                  how can CEIC most effectively advance                                                                   Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of
                                                                                                          Food Management Programs
                                                  the following goals:                                                                                 the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments
                                                    a. Unlock new sources of capital and                  AGENCY: Environmental Protection             and information to enable it to: (i)
                                                  foster more effective investment models                 Agency (EPA).                                Evaluate whether the proposed


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Document Created: 2018-02-02 15:04:12
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 15:04:12
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionRequest for Information (RFI).
DatesWritten comments and information are requested on or before March 31, 2016.
ContactRequests for additional information may be submitted electronically to Marcos Gonzales Harsha at [email protected] or by contacting the Department of Energy at 202-586- 5000.
FR Citation81 FR 10853 

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