Efficient Building Systems Cluster Funding Opportunity Released

Charged with developing a replicable and sustainable model for coordinated federal and regional efforts that foster and use regional innovation clusters, a group of federal agencies announced its first pilot project anchored around a Department of Energy (DOE)-funded Innovation Hub. The project, called the Energy Efficient Building Systems Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative, will develop, expand, and commercialize innovative energy efficient building systems technologies, designs, and best practices for national and international distribution. This initiative falls under the Interagency Regional Innovation Clusters Taskforce, which was created for job creation, worker training and education, increasing GDP, and promoting innovation in science & technology. Proposals to support this initiative are invited from a consortium of partners.

DOE will fund up to $22 million in the first year of the award. The Economic Development Administration has committed up to $3 million in public works funds and another $2 million in economic adjustment assistance funds. The National Institute of Standards & Technology has committed a maximum of $500,000 for one year, while the Small Business Administration has committed another $300,000 per year. Proposals must consist of four applications within the single consortium application. Proposals are due May 6. More information is available at: http://www.energy.gov/hubs/documents/ERIC_FOA.pdf.