[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 48 (Friday, March 12, 1999)] [Notices] [Page 12294] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-6149] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office Notice of Availability of Solicitations for Mining Industry of the Future Crosscutting Technologies
Agency
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE) Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) through the Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC), Pittsburgh, Department of Energy (DOE).
Action
Issuance of Two (2) Related Financial Assistance Solicitations.
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Summary
The U. S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE) Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) in conjunction with the Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC) announces that it intends to issue two (2) competitive Program Solicitations (PS), Nos. DE-PS26-99FT40298 and DE-PS26-99FT40299 in support of DOE/EE ``Mining Industry Roadmap for Crosscutting Technologies'' initiative www.oit.doe.gov/mining/roadmap.html>. This announcement for the two solicitations is combined because each has identical program goals and evaluation criteria. One solicitation directs government funding to the DOE national laboratories (#40298), whereas the other is directed primarily at private sector (#40299) funding. Through the issuance of these solicitations, the DOE seeking field work proposals/applications for cost-shared research and development of technologies which will enhance economic competitiveness, reduce energy consumption and reduce environmental impacts of the mining industry. Field work proposals and applications will be subjected to a comparative merit review by industry and DOE technical panels, and awards will be made to a limited number of proposers on the basis of the scientific merit of the field work proposals/applications, application of relevant program policy factors, and the availability of funds.
www.oit.doe.gov/mining/roadmap.html>Dates
Both of the solicitations are expected to be ready for release by March 5, 1999. Field work proposals/applications must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the instructions and forms in the Program Solicitations and the respective closing dates are April 19, 1999 (i.e., National Laboratory field work proposals) and May 17, 1999 (private sector applications). Prior to submitting proposals or applications to these solicitations, check for any changes (i.e. closing date of solicitation) and/or amendments, if any through the Internet at FETC's Home Page www.fetc.doe.gov/business>.
www.fetc.doe.gov/business>For Further Information Contact
Mr. Keith R. Miles, U.S. Department of Energy, Federal Energy Technology Center, P.O. Box 10940 (MS 921-143), Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940; (Telephone: 412-892-5984; Facsimile: 412- 892-6216; E-Mail: miles@fetc.doe.gov).
Addresses
The solicitation will be available through the Internet at FETC's Home Page www.fetc.doe.gov/business>. Telephone requests will not be accepted for any format version of the solicitation.
Supplementary Information
In June 1998, the mining industry and Department of Energy signed a compact pledging to work together through research and development partnerships. In September 1998, the mining industry released a vision for 2020 and beyond: ``The Future Begins With Mining, A Vision of the Mining Industry of the Future'' https:// www.oit.doe.gov/mining/vision.html> which focuses on advanced technologies that increase productivity and permit exploration, extraction, and processing to occur with minimal environmental impact. The objective of these two (2) solicitation is to support this partnership by funding research, development and demonstration projects at the National Laboratories and within the private sector which address the priorities identified in the ``Mining Industry Roadmap for Crosscutting Technologies''. Proposals must address the selected research priorities from this document that meet the OIT programmatic objectives of increasing energy efficiency and reducing waste. The relevant passage from the roadmap that justifies the proposed effort should be cited. The specific focus of this solicitation is these three (3) research goals from Table 1 of the ``The Future Begins With Mining, A Vision of the Mining Industry of the Future'': (1) Low Cost and Efficient Production--Use advanced technologies to improve process efficiencies from exploration to final product, (2) Superior Exploration and Resource Characterization--Develop ways to find and define larger high grade reserves with minimal environmental disturbance, and (3) Safe and Efficient Extraction and Processing--Use advanced technologies and training to improve the worker environment and reduce worker exposure to hazards that reduces lost time accidents and occupational diseases to near zero.
Note: Applications offering emissions or waste disposal, remediation, or treatment as a primary focus are not eligible for funding under this solicitation. This limitation does not include applications which target materials recycling or by-product utilization as their primary focus.
DOE currently has available $1.8 million for the first year of selected National Laboratory research efforts and has budgeted $2.0 million in FY 2000 for private sector projects. Out-year funding shall depend upon availability of future year appropriations. DOE anticipates multiple awards with a duration of 3 years or less. A minimum 50% non- federal cost-share is required for all applications. Collaboration between industry, university, and DOE National Laboratories is strongly encouraged.
Issued in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 2, 1999. Dale A. Siciliano, Contracting Officer, Acquisition and Assistance Division. [FR Doc. 99-6149 Filed 3-11-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P