An Unsolicited Proposal is an application for support of an idea, method, or approach, which is submitted by individuals, businesses, and organizations solely on the proposer's initiative, rather than in response to a "formal" Government solicitation. Funding of Unsolicited Proposals is considered a noncompetitive action.

The following information is directed towards helping those prospective individuals, businesses, or organizations interested in submitting Unsolicited Proposals. It offers an overview of the Unsolicited Proposal process and describes the policies and procedures for the preparation and submission of an Unsolicited Proposal to DOE.

There are a number of applicable regulations relating to criteria governing acceptance and funding of an unsolicited proposal, principally, they are:

• Title 48 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), Chapter 1, The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 15.6 Unsolicited Proposals;

• Title 48 CFR, Chapter 9, the Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) Subpart 915.6 Unsolicited Proposals; and,

• Title 10 CFR, Part 600 Financial Assistance Rules.

DOE encourages the submission of Unsolicited Proposals that will contribute to its mission objective. DOE considers proposals in all areas of energy and energy-related research and development with emphasis on long-term, high-risk, high-payoff technologies.

An unsolicited proposal may be accepted by DOE if it:

• Demonstrates a unique and innovative concept, or demonstrates a unique capability of the submitter;

• Offers a concept or services not otherwise available to the Government; and,

• Does not resemble the substance of a pending competitive solicitation.

The Unsolicited Proposal is the document intended to persuade the staff of the DOE and other qualified members of the scientific and engineering community who review the proposed work, that the project represents a worthwhile approach to the investigation of an important, timely problem. Each proposal should be self-contained and written with clarity and thoroughness.

In the unsolicited proposal, the proposer must present objectives and the pertinence of the proposed work to DOE, the rationale of the approach, the methods to be pursued, the qualifications of the investigators and the institution, if applicable, and the level of funding required to attain the objectives.

An 18-page detailed booklet titled Guide for the Submission of Unsolicited Proposals, outlines the Unsolicited Proposals process.

For more information about DOE related projects, contact John Augustine:

Mr. John Augustine
Unsolicited Proposal Manager
U.S. Department of Energy
National Energy Technology Laboratory (PGH)
P.O. Box 10940, MS 921-107
626 Cochrans Mill Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940
Telephone: (412) 386-4524
Fax: (412) 386-6137
E-mail: john.augustine@netl.doe.gov