Engineering Technology Assessment Center
The Engineering Technology Assessment Center (ETAC) provides BSEE’s headquarters, region and district offices with consulting expertise, value-added solutions, and the comprehensive review of new, unused, innovative and unusual technologies. The work performed by the staff at the Engineering Technology Assessment Center won’t change the permitting approval process for industry of the regulatory requirements.
Additionally, located in Houston’s downtown the center may easily establish professional relationships with equipment manufacturers, and assist in the development of new offshore oil and gas regulations and evaluate proposed industry standards.
Contact the Engineering Technology Assessment Center:
Engineering Technology Assessment Center
1919 Smith Street, Suite 14042
Houston, Texas 77002
Phone: (713) 220-9205
Does ETAC work directly with the general public?
No, BSEE’s Engineering Technology Assessment Center provides engineering support and expertise directly to BSEE’s headquarters office, regional and district staff. The work performed at the Engineering Technology Assessment Center will not be noticed by industry or the general public. All work requests should still be directed towards a local or regional office, who will then send work orders to the center for completion when required, using the engineering center does not change any BSEE process currently in effect.
What is considered new technology, and how does it differ from evolving technology?
New technology is defined in 30 CFR 250.200 According to 30 CFR 250.200, new means equipment or procedures have not been used previously, or extensively in a BSEE OCS Region; have not been used previously under the anticipated operating conditions; or have operating characteristics that are outside the performance parameters established by this part; Likewise, an evolved technology is a previously used item that’s been modified or made better.
How does the center distinguish itself from other programs, such as the Best Available and Safest Technologies (BAST) Program, Technical Assessment Section (TAS) and the District Operations Support (DOS) differ?
The center provides consulting services and technical assistance to BSEE’s regions, districts and headquarters. The center provides technical assistance for BSEE’s programs, and does not provide regulatory approvals. The BAST program is a regulatory program for identifying and assessing proven technologies on the Outer Continental Shelf. The DOS provides guidance to BSEE’s districts on the review and approval of permits, alternate compliance and departures, and is also responsible for permitting compliance. The TAS reviews Deepwater Operations Plans and other permitting issues relating to production operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
How transparent will ETAC be in their review process?
The ETAC works within BSEE’s current review process to evaluate new technologies for use offshore. TheETAC’s function won’t be known to industry. The ETAC serves as an internal consulting firm within the Bureau. The technical staff will solve technical issues upon the request of a regional or district office.
Does approval of new technology mean it can be used without any further approval from BSEE?
Official approvals come from BSEE’s appropriate office. The center only assists in the review process and does not change any existing process.
What equipment does BSEE want to review for new technology?
The regional office requests supplemental expertise from the center on a case-by-case basis. The center evaluates the equipment and/or the technical issue and works directly with the region or district. There aren’t any changes to BSEE’s processes. The ETAC’s study of a new technology always begins with a regional or district request.