DOE Announces New Solicitation to Provide Nuclear Energy Research Initiative Grants; Will Benefit U.S. Universities, Colleges

6/30/2004

From: Hope Williams of the U.S. Department of Energy, 202-586-5806

WASHINGTON, June 30 -- The Department of Energy (DOE) announced the issuance of solicitation DE-PS07- 04ID14551 to conduct advanced nuclear energy research at the Nation's universities. The solicitation was issued June 1, 2004. Applications are due by July 16, 2004.

The department has restructured its Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (NERI) to support research projects at U.S. universities while supporting the department's mainline nuclear energy research and development programs (e.g. the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative, the Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative, and the Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative). These programs are developing new nuclear generation technologies and advanced energy products -- including high efficiency electricity and hydrogen -- that provide significant improvements in sustainability, economics, safety, reliability, and proliferation and terrorism resistance.

Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said, "This new approach to integrating universities into the department's nuclear research programs implements the department's intention to further the relationship with universities and increase the amount of nuclear energy research and development funding that goes to universities."

The solicitation provides an opportunity for U.S. universities to become directly involved in an integrated teaming relationship with the department and its national laboratories. The research that will be conducted by universities will make a valuable contribution to the department's nuclear energy research and development programs.

The period of performance is from one year to three years. Announcement of the NERI awards is anticipated in September 2004. All awards will be made to U.S. universities. Parties interested in this solicitation should monitor the following website: http://e-center.doe.gov. Applications must be submitted through the DOE Industry Procurement System (IPPS) at the same web site.

Additional information on this and other DOE nuclear science and engineering educational initiatives that are sponsored by the department's Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology is available at www.nuclear.gov.