DOE Announces New Solicitation for Industrial Assessment Centers

November 1, 2005

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, through the DOE Golden Field Office, is soliciting applications for the ITP Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs). Applications are due in January 2006 to participate in this university-based educational program, in which regional teams of engineering faculty and students conduct assessments of small and medium-sized manufacturing facilities — those with energy costs between $100,000 and $2.5 million per year. Assessments are conducted at no cost to manufacturers.

The primary goal of the IAC program is to provide engineering students with practical experience in energy engineering. This includes hands-on assessment experience and training, technical report writing, and academic coursework, among other elements. The program also helps small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturing firms identify opportunities to improve their energy efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness; reduce energy costs; and minimize waste.

Approximately 12-16 IACs will be selected. Awards will be in the form of cooperative agreements, and project periods could last up to five years. Total DOE funding is expected to be approximately $6 million. Of that amount, DOE anticipates that no more than $250,000 per year will be awarded to an individual center. Each IAC will conduct assessments on 15–35 days and train or employ 5-10 students per year.

To be eligible, the applicant must be a college or school of engineering in the United States. Also, at least one of the institution's four-year undergraduate programs must be accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission or the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. EST on January 24, 2006, to be considered. Please see the Active Solicitations page in the Financial Opportunities section of the ITP Web site for details, requirements, and information on how to apply. For more on IACs, please see www.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/iacs.html.

DOE also plans to hold an informational Webcast for all interested applicants on November 16 from 9-10 a.m. MST. To participate, please e-mail goiac@go.doe.gov and include your name and contact information.