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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Program Descriptions

81.036:  Energy-Related Inventions

Objectives:  To encourage innovation in developing non-nuclear energy technology by providing assistance to individual and small business companies in the development of promising energy-related inventions.

PROGRAM AND AWARD	FINANCIAL AND INFORMATION CONTACTS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS	FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO.
APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS	INFORMATION CONTACTS
RELATED PROGRAMS	ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS
PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS	POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS

81.036 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:  There are no restrictions. Small businesses, individual inventors, and entrepreneurs are especially invited to participate, although other entities, including universities are also eligible.

Beneficiary Eligibility:  There are no restrictions. Small businesses, individual inventors, and entrepreneurs will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation:  This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

81.036 APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:  This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:  Proposals should be prepared to respond to details contained in the competitive program solicitation. The details of the solicitation are posted on the Office of Industrial Technologies homepage at www.oit.doe.gov. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure:  Size of the Federal grant awards range from up to $40,000 for ideas at the conceptual stage, or up to $100,000 for the developmental stage of an idea. The level of financial assistance will be will be determined during the review process by DOE. Proposals will be evaluated and selected for grant awards by a panel of knowledgeable program and technical personnel. In addition to financial assistance this program offers technical guidance and commercialization support to successful applicants.

Deadlines:  Applications are due on the date and time specified in the program solicitation.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:  The range is from 90 to 120 days from the close of the solicitation to award announcement.

Appeals:  Unsuccessful applicants are entitled to a debriefing by DOE program and procurement officials with a clear explanation of why the proposal was not accepted for funding.

Renewals:  Not applicable.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals:  Uniqueness, technical feasibility, marketability, energy relationship (including energy savings).

Examples of Funded Projects:  Recent successes include a heat-pipe dehumidification unit for air-conditioners; a method for cleaning condenser tubes at utility plants; an electrostatic agglomerator to remove fly ash; a molded pulp products dryer; and electronic control of thermostatic expansion values for refrigeration cases.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  Past awards average $83,000.

81.036 RELATED PROGRAMS:

None.

81.036 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Since the start of the Inventions and Innovation Program in 1977, over 600 grant awards have been made under the two sub-programs, the Energy-Related Inventions Program and the Innovative Concepts Program.

81.036 FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO:

Federal Agency:  OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Type of Assistance:  Project Grants; Use of Property, Facilities, and Equipment; Advisory Services and Counseling; Dissemination of Technical Information.

Obligations:  (Grants) FY 99 $2,100,000; FY 00 est $2,900,000; and FY 01 est $0.

Budget Account Number:  89-0203-0-1-270.

Authorization:  Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, Section 14, Public Law 93-577, 88 Stat. 1894, 42 U.S.C. 5913; Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977, as amended, Public Law 95-91, 42 U.S.C. 7101.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature:  Regulations: DOE Financial Assistance Regulations 10 CFR 600. Guidelines and Literature: "Inventions and Innovations Program" - brochure available from the Golden Field Office, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO 80401. Information available through the Internet homepage for the program at www.oit.doe.gov.

81.036 INFO CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:  Jennifer Squire, Golden Field Office, U.S. Department of Energy, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO 80401. Phone: (303) 275-4764; Internet: jennifer_squire@nrel.gov; or Jim Damm, Contract Specialist. Phone: (303) 275-4744, Fax: (303) 275-4788. Internet: jim_damm@nrel.gov.

Headquarters Office:  Sandra Glatt, Office of Industrial Technologies, (EE-23), Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20585. Phone: (202) 586-3987. Use the same number for FTS.

(See Appendix IV for more contact info.)

81.036 ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:  Cost-sharing is encouraged but not required.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:  Typically 24 months.

Uses and Use Restrictions:  The assistance provided includes evaluation of energy-related concepts, limited funding assistance, where appropriate, advice concerning engineering, marketing, business planning. Grantee may petition for waiver of government patent rights. No equity capital is provided.

81.036 POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:  Quarterly progress report and final report.

Audits:  GAO may audit grants valued in excess of $10,000.

Records:  Grantees maintain records of fund expended and results of work.