U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO 80401

A -- DEVELOPMENT OF NICHE MARKETS FOR SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS SOL DE-PS36-98GO10323 DUE 061598 POC Beth H. Peterman, Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer, facsimile (303) 275-4788 WEB: click here to download a copy of the RFP, http://www.eren.doe.gov/golden/solicit.htm. E-MAIL: click here to contract the contract specialist and contracting officer via e-mail, beth_peterman@nrel.gov. Through cooperative agreements, DOE is proposing to support business development projects that integrate solar water heating systems into the building sector under provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct): Public Law 102-486. It is the goal of DOE to accelerate the establishment of markets for solar water heating systems (SWH) by assisting industry in developing sustainable niche markets within the building sector through Federally cost-shared projects. The projects are intended to focus on market development combined with strategic partnering leading to the integration of solar water heating in both new construction and existing buildings. The ultimate goal of the program is a sustainable market for the SWH products within the conventional residential and commercial building industry without Federal assistance. Successful applications shall demonstrate an innovative approach for integrating SWH into new construction or existing buildings (e.g., residential or commercial). Respondents are encouraged to form appropriate consortia or other business arrangements with utilities and/or Energy Service Company's (ESCO's), new home construction industry, and solar water heating system suppliers or demonstrate a plan for establishing a business arrangement for implementing the solar business venture. Viability of the consortia to develop a sustainable niche market for solar water heating will be a major factor in selecting projects for Federal assistance. Respondents should demonstrate an innovative and cost effective approach to integrating SWH into the building sector; capabilities and resources to implement the business venture; and plan to identify and address barriers which might retard market penetration. The collaborative projects are intended to include the following components: 1) business and market planning; 2) market and business development; and 3) a pilot program for installation of solar water heating systems; and 4) a plan for a sustainable business venture beyond Federal involvement. As there is a reasonable expectation that the recipients of a cooperative agreement will receive significant future economic benefits as a result of the performance of this project, cost sharing on the part of the recipient is required. All respondents must propose a cost share of at least 50% of the total project costs from non-Federal sources. Examples of potential applicants include, but are not limited to, home builders, utilities, and energy service companies in partnership with solar companies. Solicitation Number DE-PS36-98GO10323 will include complete information on the program including technical aspects, funding, application preparation instructions, application evaluation criteria, and other factors that will be considered when selecting projects for funding. Issuance of the solicitation is planned for May 1, 1998, with responses due 45 days following solicitation release. Issuance of the solicitation is planned on a semi-annual basis beginning in 1998. To obtain a copy of the solicitation, once issued, write to the U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office, 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401- 3393, Attention: Beth H. Peterman, Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer. Facsimiles and electronic mail are acceptable and can be transmitted to (303) 275-4788 or beth_peterman@nrel.gov. Applicants are encouraged to obtain the solicitation electronically through the Golden Field Office Home Page at http://www.eren.doe.gov/golden/solicit.htm. Only written requests for the solicitation or notifications of receipt will be honored. All responsible sources may submit an application and all timely applications will be considered. (0091)

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