University Coal Research (81.057)
Program
81.057 University Coal Research
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF FOSSIL ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Authorization
Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, Public Law 83-703; Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, Public Law 93-438; Research and Marketing Act of 1946, as amended, Public Law 85-934; Federal Nonnuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93- 577; Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations for 1980, Public Law 96-126; Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2003, Public Law 108-7.
Program Number
81.057
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To improve scientific and technical understanding of the chemistry and physics involved in the conversion and utilization of coal. The primary objective is to fund long-term, high-risk, meritorious fundamental research for the advancement of science related to all Fossil Energy's coal-related programs. Through an annual solicitation, applications are sought with the potential to overcome barriers in technology development and accelerate the identification of solutions for energy and environmental problems. Solicited research should contemplate nearly total carbon closure by the year 2015 along with substantial increases in energy conversion efficiency for utilizing our nation's abundant coal resources.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Work must be related to program objectives.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
U.S. colleges and universities may apply.
Beneficiary Eligibility
U.S. colleges and universities will benefit. The principal investigator must be a teaching professor and the grant must support at least one student enrolled at the college/university.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-21 for institutions of higher education. 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 E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
This program is subject to the provisions of 10 CFR 600. Proposals should be submitted to National Energy Technology Laboratory, Attn: MS921-107 , Department of Energy, P.O. Box 10940, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940, Contact: Mr. John Augustine, (412) 892-4524. Fax: (412) 386-6137.
Award Procedure
Proposals reviewed by qualified experts in accordance with the factors listed in 10 CFR Chapter II, Part 600 with specific emphasis on the scientific and technical merit of the proposed research and the factors listed in the formal solicitation for proposals.
Deadlines
Deadlines are stated in solicitations issued annually. Normally, solicitations are issued between September and December with proposals due 6 weeks later.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Limited university/industrial collaboration is encouraged but not required in the core program. A minimum of 25% cost sharing is required in the University/Industry partnership application. Details are described in the solicitation. This program has no statutory formula.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Varies, but it is no longer than 60 months. Usually funded by the Electronic Transfer System.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Reports are currently required on a semi-annual basis on progress and expenditures.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 110, in conjunction with OMB Circular No. A-21, "Cost Principles for Education Institutions."
Records
Retention of records will be required pursuant to guidelines set forth in 10 CFR 600.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2003, 68 applications were received and 19 awards were made.
Financial Information
Account Identification
89-0213-0-1-271.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $6,769,000; FY 03 est $4,000,000 and FY 04 est to be determined.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$80,000 to $200,000; $130,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
A formal competitive solicitation for proposals for fiscal year 2001 was issued in December, 2000 for the fiscal year 2001 program.
Related Programs
81.089, Fossil Energy Research and Development.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Project Office - National Energy Technology Laboratory, P.O. Box 10940, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Telephone: (412) 386-4524. Contact: Mr. John Augustine.
Headquarters Office
Office of Advanced Research, Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy, Washington, DC 20585. Contact: Fred Glaser. Telephone: (301) 903-2786.
Web Site Address
http://www.fe.doe.gov/coal_power/advresearch/advres_universityresearch.html
Examples of Funded Projects
Examples of projects funded in 2000 are: (1) Ceramic Membranes for Hydrogen Separation application; (2) Ceramic Membranes for Hydrogen Production from Coal; (3) Water-Gas Shift Hydrogen Separation Process; (4) Sulfur Reduction in Gasoline and Diesel Fuels by Extraction; (5) Novel Integrated Stack Approach for Realizing Mechanically Robust Solid Oxide Fuel Cells; (6) Improved Iron Catalysts for Slurry Phase Fisher-Tropsch Synthesis; and (7) Fundamental Investigation of Fuel Transformations in Advanced coal Combustion and Gasification Technologies.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Emphasis is on the scientific and technical merit of the proposed research and the factors listed as generic goals in the formal solicitation for proposals.
