OIT Times: Flexible Proposal Process is Well-Received

March 20, 2002

Last year, the National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics (NICE³) program announced a flexible proposal submission process. Based on results from the recently announced grant awards, the new process is filling the needs of industry and state offices, alike. his has been a very well-received change,says NICE³ Program Manager Lisa Barnett.

In the past, NICE3 required industrial applicants to submit proposals through state energy, pollution prevention, or business development office. Last year, after discussions with state personnel on ways to improve NICE³, the program leaders decided to allow flexibility in how states participate in the NICE³ process.

Barnett explains that half of the most recent grant awardshich OIT announced in Decemberent through state offices while the other half are going to firms endorsed by state offices. In the true spirit of flexibility, many state and industry partners creatively balanced their roles. In one project, for example, the state endorsed the proposal submission and is staying actively involved in promotion of the technology.