NSF Solicitations

Major Research Instrumentation Program (MRI) – The MRI Program serves to increase access to shared scientific and engineering instruments for research and research training in our Nation’s institutions of higher education, museums, science centers, and not-for-profit organizations.  Development and acquisition of research instrumentation for shared inter- and/or intra-organizational use are encouraged, as are development efforts that leverage the strengths of private sector partners to build instrument development capacity at academic institutions.  To accomplish these goals, the MRI program assists with the acquisition or development of shared research instrumentation that is, in general, too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs. Instruments are expected to be operational for regular research use by the end of the award period.  Read more

NASA Technology To Enhance ‘Green’ Building’s Efficiency

(NASA, January 14, 2010)  Moffet Field, CA– NASA today announced that it is collaborating with Integrated Building Solutions (IBS), Inc. to develop a next-generation intelligent, automated, and integrated environmental monitoring and management capability for office buildings and research environments.  The building control systems being developed jointly by NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., and IBS signal a new era in the evolution of ‘green,’ sustainable buildings. They will enhance energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and maximize worker performance and comfort. ‘Sustainability Base,’ the environmentally friendly building that is being constructed at NASA’s Ames, is expected to be completed in late 2010 and will be a testbed for these new ’smart’ systems. Read more

Think To Tap RV Industry Skills

By Rhoda Miel

(Plastics News, January 15, 2010) Detroit – Norwegian carmaker Think is getting ready to begin making its City electric car in the U.S. next year, and is looking for local suppliers that will be ready to begin production of key parts, including exterior plastic body panels. “Our initial production in the U.S., if everything goes according to plan, will be in the first quarter of next year and we hope to be sourcing the body panels in the U.S. for that initial production,” said Keith Takasawa, director of product development for Think North America.  Oslo-based Think is now building cars for the European market from a plant in Finland. With $47 million worth of new backing from a range of investors including New York-based Ener1 Inc., the firm is ready to expand with a fully tested electric car for the U.S. market. Read more

DOE Solicitations

Energy Innovation Hub–Modeling and Simulation for Nuclear Reactors – The U.S. Department of Energy, Idaho Operations Office is issuing this final Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the Energy Innovation Hub – Modeling and Simulation for Nuclear Reactors program. The purpose of the Energy Innovation Hubs will be to assemble the most talented scientists and technologists to focus intense research and development efforts on the critical areas listed above. The Hubs are designed to accelerate the current state-of-the art energy science and technology toward their fundamental limits and support high-risk, high-reward research projects that produce revolutionary changes in how we produce and use energy. Ideally, each Hub will have a central location housing many investigators, who will likely span multiple disciplines. Each Hub may be led by universities, private for-profit or non-profit firms, or government laboratories.  Read more

Law To Curb Lobbying Sends It Underground

By David D. Kirkpatrick

(New York Times, January 17, 2010) WASHINGTON — Ellen Miller, co-founder of the Sunlight Foundation, has spent years arguing for rules to force more disclosure of how lobbyists and private interests shape public policy. Until recently, she herself registered as a lobbyist, too, publicly reporting her role in the group’s advocacy of even more reporting. Not anymore.  In light of strict new regulations imposed by Congress over the last two years, Ms. Miller joined a wave of policy advocates who are choosing not to declare themselves as lobbyists.  “I have never spent much time on Capitol Hill,” Ms. Miller said, explaining that she only supervises those who press lawmakers directly. “I am not lobbying, so why fill out the forms?”  Her frankness makes Ms. Miller a standout among hundreds of others who are making the same decision. Read more

DOD Contracts Over $5 Million—January 20, 2010 Through January 26, 2010

No. 043-10  January 20, 2010

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Corp., of Orlando, Fla., was awarded a $245,000,000 contract, which will provide for lot 8 production contract for approximately 160 missiles comprised of both baseline and extended range missiles to support the Air Force and Foreign Military Sales customers.  308 ARSG/PK is the contracting activity (FA8682-10-C-0016).

The Boeing Co., was awarded a $6, 449,135 contract which will incorporate AN/AAR-47AV(2) (Missile Warning System) changes to the C-130 Avionic Modernization Program. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 656 AESS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-01-C-0047, P00173). Read more

State Capital Gets $8 Million Energy Grant

By Susan Allen

(Times Argus, January 22, 2010) Montpelier — Sen. Bernard Sanders announced Thursday that Montpelier will receive an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to bring wood-fueled heat and power from the state plant into the city’s downtown, serving City Hall and more than 150 other downtown buildings. The funds are part of $20.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support community-based renewable energy projects, such as wood, wind and solar installations, the DOE said. There were a total of five projects selected for funds. Read more

Secretary Chu Announces More Than $20.5 Million For Community Renewable Energy Deployment Projects: Will Help Promote Widespread Renewable Energy Installations And Create Jobs

(DOE, January 21, 2010) Washington, DC— U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today the selection of five projects to receive more than $20.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support deployment of community-based renewable energy projects, such as biomass, wind and solar installations. These projects will promote investment in clean energy infrastructure that will create jobs, help communities provide long-term renewable energy and save consumers money. They will also serve as models for other local governments, campuses or small utilities to replicate, allowing other communities to design projects that fit their individual size and energy demands. Read more

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