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

A -- GEOTHERMAL DIRECT USE DRILLING PROGRAM SOL DE-PS07-98ID13679 DUE 093098 POC Wendy L. Huggins, Contract Specialist, (208) 526-2808 WEB: click here to download the solicitation and application, http://www.id.doe.gov/doeid/solicit.html and http://www.id.doe.gov/doeid/application.html. E-MAIL: click here to contact the contract specialist via, hugginwl@id.doe.gov. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking applications for cost-shared well drilling for wells that can supply geothermal fluid to one or more of the direct use applications, from sites where there is strong evidence of a verified geothermal resource. This solicitation focuses on the following direct use applications: space heating for commercial, industrial, or Government buildings, or multi-family dwellings; district heating systems; greenhouses; aquaculture; and industrial uses. Geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground-source heat pumps, are not included in this solicitation. The ultimate goal is to increase the utilization of the United States' geothermal resources for direct use by reducing the risk inherent in well drilling. It is expected that cost-sharing wells will result in successful, exemplary direct use application projects that will, in turn, stimulate the development of additional direct use projects. Approximately $500,000 to $700,000 in federal funds may be available to totally fund this programs selected projects. DOE anticipates making more than one grant award with a duration of one to three years. A minimum of 25% non-federal cost-share is required for the well drilling and completion activities. For profit and not-for-profit organizations, state and local governments, Indian tribes and institutions of higher learning may submit applications in response to this solicitation. The statutory authorities for the issuance of this solicitation are Public Law 93-410, the Geothermal Energy Research, Development & Demonstration Act of 1974 and the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program is 81.087, Renewable Energy Research and Development. DATES: The solicitation, application forms and instructions will be available on or about July 28, 1998. Technical and non-technical questions should be submitted in writing to Wendy Huggins by facsimile at (208) 526-2808) or by e-mail no later than September 15, 1998. Applications shall be submitted by 3:00 p.m. MST on September 30, 1998. Merit review selection(s) and awards are anticipated to be made by November 16, 1998. Posted 07/29/98 (W-SN229870). (0210)

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