Under this RFP, Proposal Applicants may submit any quantity of proposals, but each proposal is required to address one pathway. The eligibility criteria for Proposal Applicants under this RFP are all of the following:
•The lead organization must be a U.S.-based organization or be a U.S. subsidiary.
•The lead organization on the proposal must be a current OESI member by the application submission deadline. OESI consortium membership is free, provided the organization is agreeable to the OESI consortium's terms.
•Information on how to join OESI is available at https://oesi.tamu.edu/membership/. Other application team members may be non-OESI members but are encouraged to join OESI during the performance of the project
•All application team members must be eligible to contract with the U.S. government. Organizations banned from doing business with the United States government, such as entities debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participating in federal programs as defined by FAR 9.4, are not eligible.
The Ocean Energy Safety Institute (OESI) is a consortium of industry, national labs, non-governmental organizations, and academia created to develop the technology and workforce needed for increased energy production that is safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective.
The OESI consortium's goal is to frame research opportunities, solicit research proposals, select and award high-value project proposals, and execute projects that produce a positive impact on offshore energy safety through increased understanding, technology development and workforce development. Furthermore, the OESI has the following objectives:
●Develop knowledge, technologies, and training that increase the nation’s ability to produce energy from oceanic resources safely and sustainably
●Increase U.S. energy security, support jobs, and increase economic activity through responsible and sustainable ocean energy development
●Engage the very best technologists, managers, facilities, and standard and policy developers efficiently and collaboratively
The OESI issues the RFP based on its Roadmap and Annual Plan,as shown in Figure 2, to drive impactful outcomes in ocean energy safety. This RFP details specific requirements and research activities necessary to meet the institute’s goals, aligning with the strategic objectives outlined for the year.By defining the issue statement, desired outcomes, and evaluation criteria, OESI ensures that the research efforts are focused and effective in addressing the identified safety challenges. The ultimate aim is to foster advancements that enhance safety protocols, improve technologies, and provide new insights into risk management, thereby contributing to a safer and more sustainable ocean energy.This comprehensive RFP opens funding for featuring pathways across all three application areas: Oil and Gas, Wind Energy, and Marine Energy as identified in the Annual Plan 2024.
Cost-share is 20%. Funding anticipated each year.