National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics
Financial assistance will not be provided in the future.
The Department of Energy's goal is to advance national, economic and energy security in the U.S.; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that goal; and to ensure environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex.
Program Accomplishments
NICE3 met its original goals to save energy, improve the environment, and provide an economic boost to U.S. industry . NICE3 originated in 1991 as a U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joint initiative to promote Global competitiveness of U.S. industries through the development and commercialization of energy-efficient goods, produced with state-of-the-art energy-efficient production technologies and practices. It has resulted in the commercialization of 32 technologies of which 27 are still on the market today. These commercial technologies have resulted in a cumulative U.S. energy savings of 34.5 trillion Btu. In 2000 the 27 NICE3 technologies still in the marketplace saved 10.6 trillion Btu.
Uses and Use Restrictions
None.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
None.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Both state and local governments benefited from these grants. Commercial firms with expertise in waste reduction and pollution prevention, large and small businesses, and others in the business of preventing pollution and energy conserving technologies also benefited.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This Program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No.
A-102 and E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
NICE3 is in close-out mode. There is no appropriation for grant project funding.
Award Procedures
None.
Deadlines
This program is in close-out. Financial assistance will not be provided in the future.
Authorization
Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977, as amended, Public Law 95-91; Energy Policy Act of 1992, as amended, Public Law 102-486.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
None.
Appeals
Unsuccessful applicants from the competitive solicitation were entitled to a written debriefing by DOE program officials with a clear explanation of why the proposal was not accepted for funding.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Federal funds were awarded to States and industry applicants that can match DOE Federal funds at 50 percent. DOE field offices made the grant awards and served as grant managers. DOE support offices worked with State energy and environmental offices to actively seek out State developmental energy, and industry organizations that might be interested in this Program.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Projects covered a period of up to 3 years with release of funding subject to work progress. Access to process implementation and efficiency data is to be available for 10 years after project completion to measure performance against expectation and to support commercialization of the technology.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly project and financial status reports are required.
A final report is required at the end of the contract period.
A 10-year tracking and follow-up reporting mechanism may be required.
Audits
DOE may perform closing audits.
Records
Access to process implementation and efficiency data must be available for 10 years after project completion to measure performance against expectation and to support commercialization of the technology.
Financial Information
Account Identification
89-0215-0-1-250.
Obigations
FY 07 $1,633,941; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
None.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See appendix IV of Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, EE-2K, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: (877) 337-3463.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
None.
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
The Social Innovators of 2014
For 2014, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has recognized 37 individuals for their outstanding work in the field of social enterprise.
