U.S. Department Of Energy, Idaho Operations Office, 850 Energy Drive -- MS1221, Idaho Falls, ID 83401-1563

A -- INDUSTRIAL PROCESS CONTROL WITH LASER-BASED ULTRASONICS SOL DE-PS07-98ID13651 DUE 052998 POC T. Wade Hillebrant, Contracting Officer (208) 526-0547 WEB: Click on the above URL link to access a copy of the solicitation text., http://www.doe.id.gov/doeid/solicit.html. E-MAIL: Click on the above email address to contact Mr. Hillebrant, hillebtw@inel.gov. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office (ID) is seeking applications for cost-shared research and development of Laser-Based Ultrasonic technologies that will enhance economic competitiveness, reduce energy consumption and reduce environmental impacts of the steel industry. The objective of this solicitation is to develop and use an integrated laser ultrasonic system for in-process manufacturing applications in the U.S. steel industry. The solicitation text as well as the industry workshop report on "Industrial Applications of Laser Ultrasonics" is expected to be posted on April 17, 1998, and may be accessed using Universal Resource Locator address http://www.id.doe.gov/doeid/solicit.html. Award will be a cooperative agreement under the financial assistance procedures of 10 CFR Part 600. No profit or fee will be paid to the awardee. Information regarding financial assistance awards may be accessed at http://www.pr.doe.gov/faregs.html. A total of $1,500,000 in federal funds ($550,000 in fiscal year 1998, $500,000 in fiscal year 1999, and $450,000 in fiscal year 2000) is expected to be available to fund this effort. DOE anticipates making a single award with a duration of three years or less. A minimum of 30% non-federal cost-share is required for research and development and a minimum of 50% non-federal cost-share is required for later demonstration and process evaluation. Collaborations between industry, university, and Federal Laboratory participants are encouraged. The Application Instruction package forms (No.'s 1 through 6 and 7 if applicable) for those intending to submit an application in response to this solicitation can be found at http://www.id.doe.gov/doeid/application.html. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. Idaho local time on May 29, 1998. Technical and non-technical questions should be submitted in writing to Mr. Wade Hillebrant (refer below) by facsimile or by e-mail no later than April 30, 1998. Those intending to propose should send a notice of intent to Mr. Hillebrant.One award is anticipated to be made by July 24, 1998. Point of contact is T. Wade Hillebrant, Contract Specialist/Contracting Officer, telephone (208) 526-0547, facsimile (208) 526-5548, e-mail hillebtw@inel.gov. (0106)

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