NICE3 Demonstration Program to Accept Proposals Directly from Industry

The National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics (NICE³) is a unique program in the OIT portfolio that supports technology demonstrations. NICE³ recently announced plans to provide states greater flexibility to participate in the Fiscal Year 2001 solicitation planned for later this spring. Previously, the NICE³ program restricted financial assistance to projects that included industrial participation, but were submitted by state government offices.

However, for FY 2001, state participation is encouraged, but not required for an applicant to receive an industrial award. The state can choose whether it will be the primary applicant to NICE³, endorser of industry applicant, or both. If the state is the primary applicant, it may submit a NICE³ administration support grant for $25,000 and must commit to specific project management responsibilities. If a private firm is the primary applicant, it must contact the state agency and receive an endorsement for participation in NICE³. NICE³ plans outreach and endorsement training for states, including a video conference and a new CD-Rom.

The NICE³ FY 2001 solicitation will award approximately $4 million in total funding including up to $525,000 for each project that demonstrates industrial energy-efficient technologies. Non-federal award recipients are responsible for at least half of the project costs. The FY 2001 solicitation is anticipated to be released at the end of April and to close in June.

The NICE³ program has supported 24 technologies that have achieved commercial success and 15 others that are poised to do so over the next two years. These technologies save energy, reduce waste, and are economically competitive.

For more information on the NICE³ program, please visit www.oit.doe.gov/nice3.