Energy Department’s High Performance Computing for Manufacturing Program Seeks to Fund New Industry Proposals

The Department of Energy (DOE) with support from the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) is seeking concept proposals from qualified U.S. manufacturers to participate in short-term, collaborative projects. DOE is expected to choose another 8-10 projects and will receive up to approximately $3 million. Selectees will be given access to High Performance Computing (HPC) facilities and will work with experienced DOE National Laboratories staff in addressing challenges in U.S. manufacturing. Concept papers are due April 24, 2016.

Two webinars, scheduled for March 24th and April 5th at 2PM EDT, will provide an opportunity to learn more about the program and current solicitation.

For more information on this funding opportunity, please click here.

AMO Partner Oak Ridge National Laboratory Announces Low-Cost Carbon Fiber Technology Licensing Opportunity

The Department of Energy partner Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking commercialization partners to license a new method to produce industrial-grade structural carbon fiber and flame-retardant fibers from commercially-available low-cost textile-grade acrylic fiber precursor materials. The ORNL Technology Transfer Office will accept licensing applications from companies committed to manufacture in the United States through May 15, 2016. For additional information on this solicitation, please click here.

For more information about Scalable Process Low-Cost for Producing Carbon Fiber, read ORNL’s brochure here.

AMO Director Dr. Mark Johnson to speak at The Hill’s “Smart Work, American Manufacturing in the Digital Age” Forum

On Wednesday, March 23rd, The Hill will host a forum on manufacturing and its integration of “smart” technologies at the Newseum in Washington D.C. The forum will explore the role of the Internet of Things in transforming manufacturing in America. AMO’s Dr. Mark Johnson will deliver remarks, along with other featured speakers, including: Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD); Representative Tom Reed (R-NY), co-chair of the House Manufacturing Caucus; Stephen Ezell, Vice President, Information Technology & Innovation Foundation; and Greg Scheu, Executive Committee Member of ABB Group and President, ABB Americas Region. Registration for this event is still open. For more information and to register, please visit The Hill’s website.

L’Oreal USA Pledges to Improve Energy Efficiency by Joining Better Buildings, Better Plants

L’Oreal USA has joined the Better Buildings, Better Plants Program in an effort to increase its energy efficiency. Over the next 10 years, the company plans to improve its energy efficiency by 25 percent and will be monitored by DOE energy experts. The beauty giant has pledged to reduce its CO2 emissions at its plants and distribution center by 60 percent by the year 2020. Currently, the Better Buildings, Better Plants program has 160 companies participating in a commitment to sustainability.

For more information on this partnership, please click here.

EVENT REMINDER: 2016 Better Buildings Summit

The Department of Energy (DOE) will host the 2016 Better Buildings Summit in Washington D.C. on May 9-11, 2016. A question and answer session will be led by AMO’s Director, Dr. Mark Johnson and Better Plants partners on market and energy trends. Click on the link to learn more and to register for this event.

Celebrate the National Week of Making at the National Maker Faire in Washington D.C. June 18th & 19th

In June 2014, President Obama hosted the first-ever Maker Faire and launched the Nation of Makers initiative, a call for more students and entrepreneurs to have access to a new class of technologies. This year’s National Maker Faire will be held June 18th and 19th in Washington D.C. at the University of the District of Columbia. The event will highlight makers from around the country, federal agencies and departments. For more on this event and past National Maker Faire’s, please visit the White House website.