Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 57 / Friday, March 24, 1995 / Notices 15547

Contracts Service, 7th and D Streets,

SW., GSA Building, ROB–3, Room 3660,

ROB–3, Washington, DC 20202–4724,

Attention: Laverne Reddick, Contract

Specialist.

Dated: March 20, 1995.

Sharon P. Robinson,

Assistant Secretary for Educational Research

and Improvement.

[FR Doc. 95–7282 Filed 3–23–95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4000–01–P

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Energy Partnerships for a Strong

Economy/Renewable Energy

Commercialization—Geothermal

Power

AGENCY: Department of Energy, Idaho

Operations Office.

ACTION: Solicitation for Financial

Assistance: Energy Partnerships for a

Strong Economy/Renewable Energy

Commercialization—Geothermal Power.

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that

pursuant to Public Law 93–577, Federal

Non-nuclear Energy Research and

Development Act of 1974; Public Law

93–410, Geothermal Energy Research,

Development and Demonstration; and

Section 2306 of the Energy Policy Act of

1992 (EPACT); the U.S. Department of

Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office

(ID) is seeking applications for costshared research, development and

demonstration of geothermal power. A

minimum 50% non-federal cost share

for the project is required. This notice

is solicitation document DE–PS07–

95ID13349.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Linda Hallum, Contract Specialist,

telephone (208) 526–5545, facsimile

(208) 526–5548. The Contracting Officer

is Brad Bauer, (208) 526–0090.

DATES: The effective date of this

solicitation is March 24, 1995. The

deadline for receipt of applications is 3

p.m. MDT, May 16, 1995. Late

applications will be handled in

accordance with 10 CFR 600.13.

Prospective applicants should request

the application package by March 30,

1995 (which includes necessary forms,

assurances and certifications), by

writing to the DOE Contract Specialist.

Facsimile requests are authorized.

Questions regarding this solicitation

should be submitted in writing to the

DOE Contract Specialist no later than

April 10, 1995. Questions and answers

will be issued in writing as an

amendment to this solicitation.

Preproposal conferences may be

available if a sufficient number of

applicants request one. Preproposal

conference requests should be made no

later than April 10, 1995.

DOE anticipates that this solicitation

will result in the award of one or more

cooperative agreements. Substantial

involvement by DOE is anticipated.

Selections for negotiations are expected

to be made on or about June 28, 1995.

All awards are expected to be made

prior to September 30, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Applications shall be

submitted to: Procurement Services

Division; Attention: SOL DE–PS07–

95ID13349 (Hallum/Bauer); U.S. DOE,

Idaho Operations Office; 850 Energy

Drive, MS 1221; Idaho Falls, Idaho

83401–1563.

CFDA Number: The Catalog of Federal

Domestic Assistance Number for this

program is 81.087.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Energy

efficiency and renewable energy

projects entered into by both the public

and private sectors are the cornerstone

of the U.S. Department of Energy’s

(DOE) Energy Partnerships for a Strong

Economy. The purpose of various

Energy Partnerships programs is to

strengthen the economy and reduce

greenhouse gas emissions. In support of

this objective, DOE, in collaboration

with the geothermal industry and the

electric utilities, has developed an

initiative for furthering the

commercialization of geothermal power.

A primary strategy of the initiative is the

acceleration of geothermal development

through cost-shared projects.

This solicitation requests applications

from industry for one or more

collaborative efforts to support the

development of new geothermal power

generation. These efforts are to promote

the commercialization of this energy

source, and result in a near-term

increase in the amount of electrical

power generated from geothermal

energy for sale to an end user in the

United States. The U.S. Department of

Energy, Office of Utility Technologies

will provide $800,000 in funding for

one or more projects. The DOE funds

may be utilized only for activities

directly related to the applicant’s power

plant. Applications are solicited which

will result in the sale in the United

States of new electrical power generated

from geothermal energy by the end of

1997.

Objectives

The objectives of this solicitation are

to promote the commercialization of

geothermal energy for the production of

electrical power, and to reduce the

emission of greenhouse gases in the

United States. By accomplishing these

objectives, it is anticipated that jobs will

be created and that the nation’s

geothermal industry will be better

positioned to compete and win in the

global marketplace. The sale of the new

power generated by the cost-shared

project(s) and further growth of the

geothermal industry will off-set the use

of fossil fuels to generate electrical

power, thereby reducing the nation’s

emissions of greenhouse gases.

Priorities

To promote the commercialization of

geothermal energy, DOE’s geothermal

power initiative identified the

utilization of previously undeveloped

geothermal resources and the use of

innovative technologies in power plants

to convert the geothermal energy to

electrical power as specific areas for

emphasis in the solicitation of

applications for new geothermal power

capacity.

Scope

All applications that can demonstrate

an existing or pending sales agreement

for the power generated, and result in a

net increase in geothermal power

generation, will be accepted and

considered. Applications that address

either of the following two areas will

receive a higher technical ranking than

applications that utilize currently

developed geothermal resources and/or

conventional power plant energy

conversion system technologies.

1. Installation of a plant that initiates

the commercial power production from

a new geothermal resource, accelerating

the development of this new resource.

2. Retrofitting existing plants and/or

constructing new plants to incorporate

innovative improvements in power

plant technology that will increase

power generation from geothermal

resources.

In order to differentiate from the

expansion of an existing resource, for

the purpose of this solicitation, a new

geothermal resource is the first

utilization of a geothermal reservoir for

the production of electrical power.

The application(s) selected for award

will be subject to the quarterly reporting

requirements normally associated with

DOE financial assistance awards. If the

selected application uses an innovative

power plant technology, the quarterly

Technical Progress Report shall contain

data and calculations which detail the

performance of this technology during

the progress reporting period. Any other

use of the technology by the geothermal

industry is also to be reported. If the

selected application is the first

production of power from a new

geothermal resource, the quarterly
15548 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 57 / Friday, March 24, 1995 / Notices

Technical Progress Report should

indicate whether there is any further use

of this resource for the generation of

electrical power. The selected

application(s) will also be required to

report on greenhouse gas reductions in

accordance with the reporting system

developed by the DOE Energy

Information Administration (EIA)

pursuant to EPACT 1605.b. The

reporting guidelines for this program

will be provided with the application

package.

DOE Funding and Cost Sharing

The project(s) will be cost-shared,

with participant(s) providing a

minimum of 50% of the costs. Total

DOE funding is $800,000, regardless of

the number of applications selected. (If

a single application is selected it may

receive up to $800,000; if multiple

applications are selected, the DOE share

may total $800,000.) The DOE costsharing portion of this effort is limited

to the following:

1. Purchase of power plant

equipment,

2. Power plant construction costs, and

3. Tie-in to the existing electrical

power grid system.

Although the DOE funding is

available in FY–1995, these funds do

not necessarily need to be used during

this fiscal year. The DOE funds are

intended to be used for the purchase

and/or installation of the power plant

components. It is not intended that the

DOE contribution be used for other

related activities, including ‘‘paper’’

feasibility, environmental, or

compliance studies and/or assessments;

nor is it intended that the funds for this

solicitation be used for activities related

to identifying and/or developing the

productive capacity of the hydrothermal

resource. It is intended that the federal

funds be used to help mitigate a portion

of the initial risk associated with the

development of the new generation

capacity from geothermal energy. It is

not intended that the project success be

based upon a continuing subsidy of

federal dollars.

Qualified Applicants

Private research organizations,

nonprofit institutions, or profit making

entities, and other entities are eligible to

submit applications in response to this

solicitation. OMB A–95 clearance is not

required.

Eligibility Requirements

For the application to be considered

for evaluation and award, an agreement

for the sale in the United States of the

electrical power that will be produced

by the proposed project must be

demonstrated to exist, or to be pending.

Preparation of Applications

Each application shall be submitted in

one volume. One original and nine

copies of each application are to be

submitted. The applications should

observe the following format, presenting

information as completely and concisely

as possible.

Applications submitted in response to

this solicitation must provide detailed

program, management, personnel,

power plant energy conversion process,

site, environmental and budget

information as further specified in this

solicitation.

1. Cover Page: The cover page is to

include the signature, title, address,

telephone number, and fax number of

the applicant’s authorized

representative. The cover page also is to

contain the copy number of the volume,

with the original volume identified as

‘‘Original: Copy No. 1’’, and subsequent

copies identified as ‘‘Copy No. 2’’,

‘‘Copy No. 3’’, etc.

2. Table of Contents: The application

is to include a table of contents and

page numbers corresponding to the

elements outlined in these preparation

guidelines.

3. Technical Summary: The

application is to provide a one page

summary that furnishes a concise and

informative description of the proposed

project. This summary should contain

information which is releasable to the

public.

In order to expedite the evaluation

process, the applications are to adhere

to the following format, including use of

the indicated element titles. The

information presented for each element

should be both complete and concise.

These elements form the criteria upon

which the application will be evaluated.

4. Technical Discussion. a.

Geothermal Resource. The application is

to contain explicit statements and

documentation that demonstrate that

the resource is adequate for the

proposed usage, and that the resource

will be available to operate the proposed

facility at rated capacity for the

expected life of the project, as defined

in the application. The adequacy of the

resource can be demonstrated by

inclusion of data such as documented

well flow tests, multi-well interference

tests, temperature logs, brine chemistry,

production data from existing

production and injection wells

(including documentation of their

characteristics), and any other suitable

data that will assist in the evaluation of

the geothermal resource.

If this is the first application of the

geothermal reservoir for power

production, the application is to provide

supporting documentation that clearly

demonstrates this reservoir has not been

utilized previously to produce electrical

power for commercial sale.

If the application is for the expanded

use of an existing reservoir, the

projected impact on the reservoir’s

present production and/or injection

capacities is to be addressed.

If electrical power and/or other

ancillary utilities are required for the

development of the resource for this

application, their availability is to be

discussed.

If the applicant does not own, or

otherwise control the availability and

use of the resource, documentation is

required demonstrating that the

resource provider will furnish the fluids

required for the new capacity during the

stated project life.

b. Power Plant Energy Conversion

System. The application is to provide a

description of the geothermal power

plant’s energy conversion system that

will be used to produce the new power

for sale. This description is to detail the

power cycle and component operating

parameters to allow evaluation of the

adequacy of the proposed system to

provide the stated power production.

The assumptions used relative to the

performance of the heat rejection system

when determining the new generating

capacity of the proposed project are to

be included in the power plant

description.

The description of the power plant

energy conversion system is to clearly

indicate whether it employs an

innovative technology that improves

plant efficiency and is not typically

utilized commercially in the United

States. If an innovative technology is to

be utilized, documentation is to be

provided that demonstrates the viability

of the technology and establishes that it

will provide the expected generation

capacity. This documentation is to

indicate the degree to which this

technology could be utilized in

geothermal plants at other locations, or

whether the technology is specific to the

proposed site and/or resource.

If the proposed new geothermal

power generation will result from the

retrofit of an existing facility, the

application is to detail the retrofit, as

well as the impact of the retrofit on the

performance on the existing facility.

Electrical power and/or other

ancillary utilities (including make-up

water for heat rejection) required for the

development of the proposed power

plant and their availability are to be

discussed, along with the tie-in of the
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 57 / Friday, March 24, 1995 / Notices 15549

new power generation to the existing

electrical grid system.

Note: Underlying assumptions along with

detailed calculations to support the claimed

economic and energy efficiency benefits must

be included in the application.

c. Impact on Greenhouse Gas

Emissions. The application’s impact on

reducing greenhouse gas emissions will

be evaluated by DOE from the

information provided. This evaluation

will consider that the application’s new,

‘‘net’’ generation capacity off-sets the

use of fossil fuels for the generation of

electrical power. The extent to which

fossil fuels are used to generate

electrical power will be obtained from

the 1995 Annual Energy Outlook

(published by DOE’s Energy Information

Administration) projections of power

generation by fuel types. By not using

fossil fuels to generate this power, the

greenhouse gases produced by these

fuels are avoided. In reviewing the

application, DOE will adjust the

prediction of avoided greenhouse gas

emissions to account for the emissions

associated with the proposed project.

This evaluation will consider both the

projected reduction of greenhouse gas

emissions due to the proposed project,

as well as the potential reduction that

might occur from the further

development of the new geothermal

field, or the expanded utilization of an

innovative technology in power plants

by the geothermal industry. Projections

of the effect of the greenhouse gas

reductions will be evaluated for the

years 2000 and 2010.

In order to forecast the reduction in

greenhouse gases, the application is to

provide:

(1) The project’s new, net electrical

generation capacity,

(2) The plant availability,

(3) The projected annual kW-hours

produced,

(4) The date the new power

generation will come on line, and

(5) The expected life of the new

power generation.

The amount of new, net electrical

generation capacity is the ‘‘net’’

electrical power generated for sale; all

parasitic power requirements associated

with the production of this new

capacity should be identified and

deducted, as well as any negative (or

positive) impact on any existing

generating capacity. (The parasitic

power requirements include the power

necessary to supply and dispose of the

geothermal fluid associated with the

new power capacity, as well as the

power required to operate the proposed

power plant or associated with the plant

retrofit.)

The application is also to include

information relative to the anticipated

emission of gases (on a kilograms per

year basis) that will result from the new

geothermal power production. This

information is to identify the emission

of non-condensable gases during the

production, utilization and disposal

(injection) of the geothermal resource

fluid, as well as the operation of the

power plant’s energy conversion system,

including the heat rejection system. If

the proposed energy conversion system

is a binary power cycle, any fugitive gas

emissions from the power cycle are to

be identified. If the level of the emission

of these gases is unknown or uncertain,

the application is to identify the levels

of emission for any of these gases

reported in the project permitting

process.

If the application is for the

application of an innovative power

plant technology or for a geothermal

resource with the capacity for further

development, the potential increase in

power production is to be included,

allowing the potential reduction of

greenhouse gas emissions to be

evaluated. The anticipated total

additional capacity, the availability of

the additional power capacity, the date

when the additional power generation

might be expected to come on line, and

the expected period that the geothermal

resource could support this added

power production are to be provided.

d. Environmental. The application is

to include relevant information on

leasing, permitting, and/or other legal

and commercial issues which may affect

the resource development and/or the

power plant construction/operation.

5. Management Discussion. a.

Program and Management Plan,

Organization, and Key Personnel. A

program management plan is to be

provided that includes a statement of

work detailing the activities necessary

to complete the project. This plan is to

include a project schedule identifying

major milestones associated with the

proposed cost-shared portion of the

project, and how these milestones are

incorporated into the remaining overall

project work scope. The management

plan is also to include a discussion of

all facilities to be constructed and/or

retrofitted during the project.

The management plan is to include

the name and roles of the applicant and

each of the participants involved in the

project, including the contractual

arrangements between the applicant and

participants. The capabilities and

responsibilities of the applicant and

each participant; experience,

qualifications, and responsibilities of

key personnel; and any unique facilities

and/or capabilities which would assure

the success of the project are to be

provided, along with information

regarding the applicant’s (or appropriate

participant’s) experience in project and

construction management.

The application is to discuss the

composition of the organization of the

applicant and participants from the

standpoint of being involved in, and/or

representative of the geothermal

industry.

b. Financial Information. The

application is to provide a description

of the applicant and all other

participants in the project, including the

type of business, history, size, and

discussion of the ownership and/or

controlling interest, along with a listing

of current or recent (within the past two

years) government grants, cooperative

agreements, and/or other work by the

applicant in this or related fields. This

listing is to include the names of the

sponsoring agency or firm, instrument

number, amount of the instrument,

subject area of the instrument, and the

name and telephone number of the

contracting officer, or contract

specialist.

Financial data on the applicant and

participants, identifying the source of

cost sharing and the available financial

resources, are to be provided. These

data are to include annual financial

statements (balance sheet and income

and expense statement) for the past 3

years for the applicant, as well as for the

participants providing cost sharing and/

or performing work. Where available,

financial statements prepared by

certified public accountants are to be

submitted.

An estimated cost to perform the tasks

as identified in the proposed statement

of work for the overall project is to be

provided along with the basis or

rationale supporting these costs. It will

be used to evaluate the reasonableness

of the project cost, the probable cost to

the government, as well as to provide an

understanding of the magnitude of the

effort required.

6. Economic Impact Discussion. The

application is to forecast the economic

impact of the application, including

employment opportunities retained

and/or created, estimated annual

payroll, and construction and operationrelated expenditures, as well as any

other economic benefits.

If the application involves the

application of an innovative, or new

technology, the application is to

describe how this technology could

impact the growth of the nation’s

geothermal industry both in the United

States and in other countries. If the

application involves the development of
15550 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 57 / Friday, March 24, 1995 / Notices

a new resource, the economic impact of

future development of the resource is to

be addressed.

7. Cost/Business Discussion. a. Power

Sales Agreement: The application is to

identify and document any existing or

pending agreement for the sale of the

electrical power that will be produced

by the proposed project. An existing or

pending power sales agreement is an

eligibility requirement, i.e., it must exist

for the application to be considered.

b. Cost Sharing: The requested

amount of DOE funds to be cost-shared

is to be identified, along with how these

funds will be used and the year in

which they will be utilized. The

percentage level of the DOE funds to the

total project cost is to be defined. The

impact of DOE’s cost share to the

viability of the project is to be

addressed.

The application is to provide an

estimate of the monetary value (basis of

and the nature, e.g., equipment, labor,

facilities, cash, etc.) of all contributions

to the project by year and by party

(DOE, applicant, and participants). If

cost share is provided by someone other

than the applicant, the application must

include a statement by the providing

entity which specifically commits the

cost share for use on the project. Note

that ‘‘cost sharing’’ is not limited to

monetary investment. For purposes of

this solicitation, the ‘‘cost sharing’’

definition is contained in 10 CFR

600.123, 600.206, 600.424. Foregone fee

or profit shall not be considered cost

sharing under any resulting agreement.

Payment of actual costs in the final

agreement will only include those costs

that are allowable, incurred, costs that

are allocable to the program as

determined in accordance with the

applicable cost principles prescribed in

10 CFR 600.127 for the respective

participants and in the cost share ratios

to be defined in the negotiations.

c. Budget: A budget period is an

interval of time into which the project

period is divided for funding and

reporting purposes. Project period

means the total approved period of time

that DOE will provide support,

contingent upon satisfactory progress

and availability of funds. The project

periods may be divided into one or

more budget periods. Project periods are

not expected to exceed two years. Each

application must contain Standard

Forms 424 and 424A. The budget

summary page only needs to be

completed for the first budget period; all

other periods of support requested

should be shown on the total costs page.

The application should contain full

details of the costs regarding the labor,

overhead, material, travel, subcontracts,

consultants, and other support costs

broken down by task and by year. Every

cost item should be justifiable and

further details of the costs may be

required if the application is selected for

the award. It is essential that requested

details be submitted in a timely manner

for the actual award. Items of needed

equipment should be individually listed

by description and estimated cost,

inclusive of tax, and adequately

justified. The destination and purpose

of budgeted travel and its relevance to

the research should be specified.

Anticipated consultant services should

be justified and information furnished

on each individual’s expertise, primary

organizational affiliation, daily

compensation rate and number of days

of expected service. Consultant’s travel

costs should be listed separately under

travel in the budget.

d. Cost Application: In the event there

are multiple projects proposed in a

submittal, a separate cost application

should be included for each project

proposed for funding. The cost

application should have sufficient detail

that an independent evaluation of the

labor, materials, equipment and other

costs as well as verification of the

proposed cost share can be performed.

Proprietary Application Information

Applications submitted in response to

this solicitation may contain trade

secrets and/or privileged or confidential

commercial or financial information

which the applicant does not want used

or disclosed for any purpose other than

evaluation of the application. The use

and disclosure of such data may be

restricted provided the applicant marks

the cover sheet of the application with

the following legend, specifying the

pages of the application which are to be

restricted in accordance with the

conditions of the legend:

‘‘The data contained in pages lll

of this application have been submitted

in confidence and contain trade secrets

or proprietary information, and such

data shall be used or disclosed only for

evaluation purposes, provided that if

this applicant receives an award as a

result of or in connection with the

submission of this application, DOE

shall have the right to use or disclose

the data herein to the extent provided in

the award. This restriction does not

limit the government’s right to use or

disclose data obtained without

restriction from any source, including

the applicant.’’

Further, to protect such data, each

page containing such data shall be

specifically identified and marked,

including each line or paragraph

containing the data to be protected with

a legend similar to the following:

‘‘Use or disclosure of the data set forth

above is subject to the restriction on the

cover page of this application.’’

It should be noted, however, that data

bearing the aforementioned legend may

be subject to release under the

provisions of the Freedom of

Information Act (FOIA), if DOE or a

court determines that the material so

marked is not exempt under the FOIA.

The Government assumes no liability

for disclosure or use of unmarked data

and may use or disclose such data for

any purpose. Applicants are hereby

notified that DOE intends to make all

applications submitted available to nonGovernment personnel for the sole

purpose of assisting the DOE in its

evaluation of the applications. These

individuals will be required to protect

the confidentiality of any specifically

identified information obtained as a

result of their participation in the

evaluation.

Evaluation of Applications

Applications submitted will be

subject to a preliminary review by DOE

to check for completeness and accuracy.

Applications that are clearly nonresponsive or do not provide evidence

of an existing or pending agreement for

the sale of electrical power generated,

will not be subject to the comprehensive

evaluation or considered for award.

DOE reserves the right to support all,

none, or certain parts of the applications

submitted in response to this

solicitation.

The information presented in each

application will be evaluated to

determine the degree to which the

stated objectives and priorities of this

solicitation are met. The following is a

summary listing of the criteria which

will be considered in the evaluation and

each’s relative importance in the

ranking process: Technical and

environmental, management, economic

impact, and cost-sharing. The technical

and environmental criteria will rank

twice as much as the management

criteria; economic and cost-sharing

criteria will rank approximately equally

and at substantially less than the

management criteria. The following

briefly identifies the factors to be

considered in the evaluation of each of

the criterion.

Criterion 1: Technical and

Environmental

The geothermal resource is to be

compatible/adequate with the

requirements of the energy conversion

system for the new geothermal power

production. The resource is to be able to
Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 57 / Friday, March 24, 1995 / Notices 15551

sustain the proposed new and, if

applicable, existing generation capacity

over the proposed life of the project.

The development of a new geothermal

resource is preferred (first power

production from a geothermal reservoir),

particularly resources with the potential

for continued development. The

applicant’s control over availability of

the resource is preferred.

The evidence presented on the

technical viability of the energy

conversion system, including the clarity

and completeness of the description of

the power cycle to be used to generate

the additional power will be considered.

The degree to which the new power

generation will utilize an innovative

technology(s) will be weighed along

with the evidence presented of the

viability of the technology(s) and the

probability of its successful

implementation. The potential for

further utilization of the innovative

technology(s) by the geothermal

industry to add generation capacity, i.e.,

use of the technology can be replicated

in geothermal power plants at other

sites, will also be evaluated. The

evaluation will also consider the date at

which the applicant will begin to sell

the power produced, with power sales

by 1997 preferred.

The projected impact of the proposed

project on reducing greenhouse gas

emissions will be evaluated for the year

2000 as well as for the year 2010 (with

the emphasis on the year 2000). The

potential impact on reducing

greenhouse gas emissions as a result of

increased usage of an innovative

technology, as well as from further

development of a new geothermal

resource will be considered. The annual

electrical production (watt-hr/yr) will be

correlated to the gas emissions based on

the projected mix of fuels used to

generate this level of power in the

absence of the new geothermal power

generation.

Issues relating to leasing, permitting,

and related activities for the project

development will be considered along

with the environmental restrictions. The

environmental evaluation will consider

the impact of the proposed activities at

the project site, as well as the potential

environmental impact of future resource

development or application of

technology at other facilities. The

availability of required ancillary

utilities/services, as well as proximity to

existing electrical grid system will also

be considered.

Criterion 2: Management

The statement of objectives will be

evaluated for its completeness, and the

evidence presented for completing the

project activities within the presented

overall project schedule. The adequacy

of the organizational structure,

capabilities, and resources of the

applicant and participants to address all

aspects of the proposed project will be

considered, along with the existence of

unique capabilities, facilities, and/or

equipment which provide additional

assurance as to the success of the

proposed project. Evidence of previous

successes in the completion of similar

projects will be considered, along with

the applicant’s experience in the

geothermal industry.

Criterion 3: Economic Impact

The application will be evaluated for

evidence presented of a positive

economic impact, including the creation

of additional employment

opportunities. Evidence presented

relative to the impact of project on the

further growth of the geothermal

industry within the U.S., as well as

internationally, will be considered.

Criterion 4: Cost Sharing

DOE cost share is limited to the

purchase of power plant equipment,

power plant construction costs, and

costs for tie-ins to the existing electrical

power grid system. The applicant must

cost share those portions of the project

that are excluded from DOE cost share.

The application will be evaluated on the

nature and amount of cost-sharing. The

applicant must demonstrate how it will

meet its mandatory 50% cost share. This

demonstration will occur through the

adequacy (e.g., completeness, relevancy,

substantiation) of the cost portion of the

application. The applicant is

responsible for showing how any inkind contributions meet criteria in 10

CFR 600.123. Cash and cash-equivalent

items (e.g., direct labor) are preferred.

More consideration may be given to

projects with a greater-than-50% cost

share.

Programmatic Selection Considerations

In conjunction with the evaluation

results and ranking of individual

applications, the Government will make

selections for negotiations and planned

awards from among the highest ranking

applications utilizing the following

programmatic considerations:

(1) The proposed cost of the project

will not be point scored. Applicants are

advised, however, that notwithstanding

the lower relative importance of the cost

considerations, the evaluated cost may

be the basis for selection. In making the

selection decision, the apparent

advantages of individual technical and

business applications will be weighed

against the probable cost to the

government to determine whether the

technical and business approaches

(excluding cost considerations) are

worth the probable cost differences.

(2) It is desirable to implement each

demonstration project as a collaborative

effort in which the participants

represent both the scientific/engineering

research disciplines as well as members

of the geothermal industry engaged in

its practical, daily operations and

experienced in the application of

geothermal industry processes.

(3) Applications that have the

potential to increase geothermal power

capacity, reduce negative environmental

impacts, and provide significant cost

benefits are preferred.

Merit Reviews

All applications will be evaluated

under the procedure for ‘‘Objective

Merit Review of Discretionary Financial

Assistance Applications’’, Federal

Register, May 31, 1990, Vol. 55, No. 105

(copy provided upon request), and the

criteria and programmatic

considerations set forth in this

solicitation. In conducting this

evaluation, the Government may utilize

assistance and advice from nonGovernment personnel. Applicants are

therefore requested to state on the cover

sheet of the applications if they do not

consent to an evaluation by such nonGovernment personnel. The applicants

are further advised that DOE may be

unable to give full consideration to an

application submitted without such

consent.

General Conditions and Notice to

Applicants

a. Applicants: All applicants will be

notified in writing of the action taken on

their applications in approximately 90

days after the closing date for this

solicitation, provided no follow-up

clarifications are needed. Status of any

application during the evaluation and

selection process will not be discussed

with the applicants. Unsuccessful

applications will not be returned.

b. False Statements: Applications

must set forth full, accurate, and

complete information as required by

this solicitation. The penalty for making

false statements is prescribed in 18

U.S.C. 1001.

c. Application Clarification: DOE

reserves the right to require applications

to be clarified or supplemented to the

extent considered necessary either

through additional written submissions

or oral presentations.

d. Amendments: All amendments to

this solicitation will be mailed to

recipients who submit a written request

for the DOE application package.
15552 Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 57 / Friday, March 24, 1995 / Notices

e. Applicant’s Past Performance: DOE

reserves the right to solicit from

available sources relevant information

concerning an applicant’s past

performance and may consider such

information in its evaluation.

f. Commitment of Public Funds: The

Contracting Officer is the only

individual who can legally commit the

Government to the expenditure of

public funds in connection with the

proposed award. Any other

commitment, either explicit or implied,

is invalid.

g. Effective Period of Application: All

applications should remain in effect for

at least 180 days from the closing date.

h. Availability of Funds: The actual

amount of funds to be obligated will be

subject to availability of funds

appropriated by Congress.

i. Loans under DOE Minority

Economic Impact (MEI) Loan Program:

Applicants are advised that loans under

the DOE Minority Economic Impact

(MEI) Loan Program are not available to

finance the cost of preparing an

application pursuant to this solicitation.

j. Assurances and Certifications: DOE

requires the submission of preaward

assurances of compliance and

certifications which are mandated by

law. The assurance and certification

forms will be provided in the

application package.

k. Questions and Answers: Questions

regarding this solicitation should be

submitted in writing to the DOE

Contract Specialist no later than April

10, 1995. Questions and answers will be

issued in writing as an amendment to

this solicitation.

l. Preaward Costs: The government is

not liable for any costs incurred in

preparation of an application. Awardees

may incur preaward costs up to ninety

(90) days prior to the effective date of

award. Should the awardee take such

action, it is done so at the awardee’s risk

and does not impose any obligation on

the DOE to issue an award.

m. Patents, Data, and Copyrights:

Applicants are advised that patents,

data, and copyrights will be treated in

accordance with 10 CFR 600.33.

n. Environmental Impact: An

applicant environmental checklist will

be provided in the DOE application

package. Award will not be made until

the environmental checklist is

completed. An environmental review of

the environmental checklist and the

application will be conducted by DOE

as required by 10 CFR 1021.216.

o. EPACT: Applicants shall be

required to comply with section 2306 of

the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT)

(42 U.S.C. 13525), as applicable.

p. Buy American Act: Any

organization receiving award under this

solicitation must comply with the Buy

American Provisions of Section 307 of

Pub. L. 103–332, Department of the

Interior and Related Agencies

Appropriations Act of 1995.

Dated: March 9, 1995.

R. J. Hoyles,

Director, Procurement Services Division.

[FR Doc. 95–7278 Filed 3–23–95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6450–01–P

Golden Field Office; Federal

Assistance Award to National

Automotive Technicians Education

Foundation

AGENCY: Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of Noncompetitive

Financial Assistance Award.

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of

Energy (DOE), pursuant to the DOE

Financial Assistance Rules, 10 CFR

600.7, is announcing its intention to

award a cooperative agreement to the

National Automotive Technicians

Education Foundation (NATEF), for the

further development and

implementation of a nationwide

program for voluntary certification of

training programs for alternative fuel

vehicle and refueling systems

technicians. This program will assist the

Office of Transportation Technologies

(OTT) programs at DOE, in the

implementation of Section 411 of the

Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct). The

OTT programs seek to improve

transportation energy efficiency and to

reduce the nation’s dependence on

imported fuels. This is not a notice for

solicitation of proposals or financial

assistance applications.

ADDRESSES: Questions regarding this

announcement may be addressed to the

U.S. Department of Energy, Golden

Field Office, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden,

Colorado 80401, Attention: Ms. Ruth E.

Adams, Contract Specialist. The

telephone number is 303–275–4722.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The

applicant organization is a nonprofit

501(c)3 corporation founded in 1982. In

conjunction with the National Institute

of Automotive Service Excellence

(ASE), the applicant organization has

implemented a national standards

development and evaluation process for

the certification of automotive

technician training programs. This

program expands the NATEF capability

to include alternative fuel technician

training programs. The NATEF

organization is governed by its 15-

member Board of Trustees which

represents virtually every segment of the

transportation industry as well as

representatives from consumer groups,

vocational and other educators,

professional technicians, employers of

technicians, business leaders, and other

affected entities and persons.

In accordance with 10 CFR 600.7, it

has been determined that the activity to

be funded is necessary to the

satisfactory completion of an activity

that will enhance the public benefit

derived and for which competition and

the delay resulting therefrom would

have a significant adverse effect on

completion of the activity. The

applicant has exclusive domestic

capability to perform the activity

successfully, based upon its existing

automotive technician training program

certification process and its experience

demonstrating that this process results

in nationwide quality improvement of

automotive service and repair. DOE

knows of no organization other than

NATEF which is capable and which is

conducting or is planning to conduct

development and implementation of

certification of training programs for

alternative fuel vehicle technicians and

alternative fuel refueling-system

technicians as proposed by the

applicant.

Current Federal funding is available

in the amount of $500,000. A minimum

of $88,000 from non-Federal sources has

been committed by NATEF to

accomplish the first year of this

development program. The project cost

over five years is estimated to be

$2,795,634 total, with the DOE share

being $2,318,997 and $476,637 to be

cost-shared by NATEF.

Issued in Golden, Colorado on March 14,

1995.

John W. Meeker,

Chief, Procurement, GO.

[FR Doc. 95–7345 Filed 3–23–95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6450–01–P

Office of Energy Efficiency and

Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Programs

Workshops

AGENCY: Energy Efficiency and

Renewable Energy, Department of

Energy.

ACTION: Notice of Training Workshops.

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of

Energy (DOE) is announcing the fiscal

year 1995 training schedule for Federal

energy management workshops that will

be conducted by the Office of Federal

Energy Management Programs in

support of the Executive Order 12902