Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today applauded the release by the Department of Energy of a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the long-awaited Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB).  The University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory intend to compete as a team for the project, which is estimated to carry a price tag of $550 to $600 million.
 
           “The rare isotope facility holds enormous potential for our country’s technological and economic competitiveness,” said Biggert, a senior member of House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, which has oversight over the DOE’s research and development programs and national laboratories.  “This world-class user facility could bring millions in revenue and high-tech jobs to our local economy.”
 
           The FRIB – a modified version of the Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA) – will be the world’s most powerful research facility dedicated to the production and exploration of new rare isotopes that are not found naturally on Earth.  The FRIB will study unique forms of radiation leading to advances and applications in nuclear physics, astrophysics, biology, medicine, food safety, and environmental protection.  Following today’s release, scientific institutions like Argonne will have 60 days to submit proposals for building and operating the new facility.  The final selection is expected to be made by September of 2008 with construction to begin in 2011.
 
           “I’m very pleased the Department of Energy remains committed to making the FRIB a reality,” said Biggert.  “The University of Chicago and Argonne have a great shot at bringing this groundbreaking project home to Illinois, and I look forward to monitoring the selection process to ensure that it’s fair and driven by science.”
 
           In 2005, Biggert sponsored legislation that became Title IX of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which authorized funding for the construction and operation of a rare isotope accelerator -- the first time that Congress officially gave such a project the green light.  She also has secured appropriations for research and development related to the FRIB.

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