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NREL Requests Proposals for Research Teams To Support Energy-Efficient Housing Research Partnerships

May 24, 2010 by Jeff Shepard

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America residential research program, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for research teams to support Building America activities. Building America forms research partnerships throughout all facets of the U.S. residential building industry to develop cost-effective solutions that improve the quality and energy efficiency of new and existing homes.

The purpose of this RFP is to select research teams to develop reliable building energy systems that dramatically reduce the average energy use of housing by 40-100%. Selected applicants will be required to use a multidisciplinary, team-based research approach. The deadline for the proposals is June 21, 2010.

Subject to the availability of funds, NREL anticipates awarding up to fifteen Task Ordering Agreements (TOAs), each with a period of performance of approximately 4 1/2 years. Fixed-price Task Orders will be issued under the TOAs, with the first having a period of performance of 3-9 months. Subsequent Task Orders will have a period of performance of 1 year. Initial funding for Task Orders under each TOA will range from $500,000 to $2.5 million for the first year, with possible funding of up to $5 million for each subsequent year. Cost-shared participation of at least 20% will be required for each Task Order award.