Inventions and Innovations (81.036)
Program
81.036 Inventions and Innovations
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Authorization
Federal Non-nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, Section 14, Public Law 93-577, 88 Stat. 1894, 42 U.S.C. 5913; Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977, as amended, Public Law 95-91, 42 U.S.C. 7101.
Program Number
81.036
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To encourage the development and commercialization of energy-saving inventions by providing financial and technical assistance to projects that have a potential for significant energy savings and future commercialization markets through a competitive solicitation process.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants; Advisory Services and Counseling; Dissemination of Technical Information.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The assistance provides evaluation of energy-related concepts, limited funding assistance, and non-financial assistance such as business development and commercialization. Grantee may petition for waiver of government patent rights. No equity capital is provided. Further Program information may be found at www.oit.doe.gov/inventions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Individuals that are U.S. citizens, either native-born or naturalized, small businesses (as defined by the Small Business Administration) that are U.S. owned as defined in 10 CFR 600.501, and institutions of higher learning located in the U.S. Individual inventors and very small businesses (15 or fewer employees) are especially encouraged to participate.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individual inventors, small businesses, and institutions of higher learning will benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
This Program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This Program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Proposals should be prepared to respond to the details contained in the annual solicitation. This Program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedure
The size of the federal grant awards range up to $75,000 for category 1 applications, proposals at the conceptual stage of an idea, and up to $250,000 for category 2 applications, proposals at the developmental stage of an idea. Proposals will be reviewed, evaluated, and selected for grant awards by a panel of knowledgeable program and technical personnel. In addition to financial assistance, this Program offers technical guidance and commercialization support to successful applicants.
Deadlines
Applications are due on the date and time specified in the annual solicitation.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Unsuccessful applicants are entitled to a debriefing by DOE program officials with a clear explanation of why the proposal was not accepted for funding.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Cost-sharing is not required, but highly encouraged. Level of cost-share is one of the programmatic selection considerations used by the selection official.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Each award may cover a project period of up to 1 year for category 1 applications and up to 2 years for category 2 applications.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly project and financial status reports are required. A final report is required at the end of the contract period. A 10-year tracking and follow-up reporting mechanism may be required.
Audits
DOE may perform closing audits.
Records
Access to process implementation and efficiency data must be available for 10 years after project completion to measure performance against expectation and to support commercialization of the technology.
Program Accomplishments
Since the start of the Inventions and Innovation Program in 1977 more than five hundred inventions have received financial support from DOE, with nearly 25 percent reaching the marketplace.
Financial Information
Account Identification
89-0203-0-1-270.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $2,400,000; FY 03 est $2,400,000; and FY 04 est $1,200,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Past awards average $83,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Regulations: DOE Financial Assistance Regulations 10 CFR 600. Guidelines and Literature: at http://www.oit.doe.gov/inventions.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Lisa Barnett, Office of Industrial Technologies, (EE-23), Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: (202) 586-2212.
Web Site Address
http://www.oit.doe.gov/inventions
Examples of Funded Projects
Examples of funded projects may be accessed at http://www.oit.doe.gov/inventions under the I&I Funded Projects section.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Uniqueness, technical feasibility, marketability, energy relationship (including energy savings).
