Activation Energy: DOE's National Laboratories as Catalysts of Regional Innovation, 5323-5325 [2023-01440]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 18 / Friday, January 27, 2023 / Notices clicking on the ‘‘View Information Collection (IC) List’’ link. Supporting statements and other supporting documentation may be found by clicking on the ‘‘View Supporting Statement and Other Documents’’ link. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For specific questions related to collection activities, please contact Carrie Clarady, 202–245–6347. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records. Title of Collection: Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2023–24 (ECLS–K:2024) Kindergarten and First-Grade National Data Collection and Transfer School Recruitment. OMB Control Number: 1850–0750. Type of Review: A revision of a currently approved ICR. Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals and Households. Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 159,964. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 110,186. Abstract: The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS) program, conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education (ED), draws together information from multiple sources to provide rich, descriptive data on child development, early learning, and school progress. The ECLS program studies deliver national data on children’s status at birth and at various points thereafter; children’s transitions to nonparental care, early care and education programs, and school; and children’s experiences and growth through the elementary grades. The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2023–24 (ECLS–K:2024) is the fourth cohort in the series of early childhood longitudinal studies. The study will advance research in child development and early learning by providing a detailed and comprehensive source of VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:53 Jan 26, 2023 Jkt 259001 current information on children’s early learning and development, transitions into kindergarten and beyond, and progress through school. The ECLS– K:2024 will provide data about the population of children who will be kindergartners in the 2023–24 school year, focusing on children’s early school experiences continuing through the fifth grade, and will include collection of data from parents, teachers, and school administrators, as well as direct child assessments. The ECLS–K:2024 K–1 field test (OMB #1850–0750 v.19–25) is currently ongoing. This current request is to conduct the ECLS–K:2024 national kindergarten and first-grade data collection activities, as well as transfer district and school recruitment. There are two phases of the kindergarten data collection. The first, the fall kindergarten round, will occur from September through November 2023, followed by an additional round, the spring kindergarten round, conducted from March through June 2024. Data collection covered under the current clearance request will then occur again in the spring of 2025, when most of the sampled students are in first grade. Prior to each of these data collection rounds are advance school contact periods, during which schools will be contacted to complete tasks in preparation for the upcoming in-person school visit. The current submission includes survey instruments, respondent materials, and specifications for the MyECLS website for the two kindergarten rounds and the first-grade round, as well as the recruitment of transfer districts and schools. Some of these materials were previously submitted in the request to conduct the K–1 field test (OMB #1850–0750 v.24 and v.25) and have been updated to reflect additional NCES decisions and the tasks and procedures that will be followed for national data collections. However, many of the survey instruments, respondent materials, and MyECLS website specifications will undergo further revision based on the results of the K–1 field test, available in early 2023. In addition, the spring kindergarten materials are expected to be revised further in response to the national fall kindergarten field experiences, and the spring first-grade materials are expected to be revised further in response to experiences in both national kindergarten rounds. Further, the spring surveys submitted at this time have several known errors and issues (e.g., items collecting respondent and household members’ genders have not yet been updated), with needed updates forthcoming in future revision PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 5323 requests. All revised materials, as well as the translated materials, will be included in future revision requests including a 30D public comment period. The first of these revision requests (OMB #1850–0750 v.27) is planned for submission in April 2023. Dated: January 24, 2023. Stephanie Valentine, PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and Clearance, Governance and Strategy Division, Office of Chief Data Officer, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. [FR Doc. 2023–01698 Filed 1–26–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Activation Energy: DOE’s National Laboratories as Catalysts of Regional Innovation Office of Science, Office of Technology Transitions, Department of Energy. ACTION: Request for information (RFI). AGENCY: The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science and the Office of Technology Transitions invite interested parties to provide input on place-based innovation opportunities that support the DOE mission. DATES: Responses to this RFI must be received by March 28, 2023. ADDRESSES: DOE is using the www.regulations.gov system for the submission and posting of public comments in this proceeding. All comments in response to this RFI are therefore to be submitted electronically through www.regulations.gov, via the web form accessed by following the ‘‘Submit a Formal Comment’’ link near the top right of the Federal Register web page for this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information may be submitted to Charles Russomanno, Charles.Russomanno@hq.doe.gov, (202) 378–7815, Susannah Howieson, Susannah.Howieson@science.gov, (202) 586–5121, Erik Hadland, Erik.Hadland@ science.doe.gov, (240) 425–8125, or Margaux Murali, Margaux.Murali@ hq.doe.gov, (202) 586–3698. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Motivation DOE is exploring opportunities to strengthen place-based innovation activities leveraging the DOE National Laboratories and Sites.1 1 DOE Laboratories and sites are Ames Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Bettis E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM Continued 27JAN1 5324 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 18 / Friday, January 27, 2023 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Background Federally funded research and development (R&D) has catalyzed innovation that has driven economic growth in the form of new businesses, more jobs, increased wages, higher standards of living, and environmental sustainability. However, growth has been primarily localized in certain United States (U.S.) metropolitan regions that have become flourishing innovation ecosystems,2 Elements of a thriving innovation ecosystem include, but are not limited to: 3 • Talent: An educated and skilled workforce, as well as training programs to create and sustain this talent. • Infrastructure: For research, commercial, industrial, and residential purposes—inclusive of physical spaces/ facilities, utilities, transportation (including quality roadways and ready access to airports), and other features required for residential, industrial, and commercial purposes. • Technology: Accessible scientific and technical knowledge throughout the research, development, demonstration, and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Kansas City National Security Campus, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, National Energy Technology Laboratory and Albany Research Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Nevada National Security Site, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Pantex Plant, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Savannah River National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, and Y–12 National Security Complex. 2 Gruber, J., & Johnson, S. (2019). Jump-starting America: How breakthrough science can revive economic growth and the American dream; Atkinson, R., Muro, M., & Whiton, J. (2019). The Case for Growth Centers. The Brookings Institution & Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. 3 Kauffman F Bell-Masterson, Jordan and Stangler, Dane, Measuring an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (March 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2580336 or https:// dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2580336; Evolution of the Industrial Innovation Ecosystem of Resource-Based Cities (RBCs): A Case Study of Shanxi Province, China, Jun Yao, Huajing Li 1,*, Di Shang and Luyang Ding, 2021., https://www.mdpi.com/20711050/13/20/11350/pdf; MIT’s Stakeholder Framework for Building and Accelerating Innovation Ecosystems, Budden, P, Murray, F., 2019, https://innovation.mit.edu/assets/MITStakeholder-Framework_InnovationEcosystems.pdf; An MIT Framework for Innovation Ecosystem Policy, Budden, P, Murray, F, 2018, https://innovation.mit.edu/assets/FrameworkEcosystem-Policy_Oct18.pdf; Kauffman Foundation, Universities and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, https://www.kauffmanfellows.org/journal_posts/ universities-and-entrepreneurial-ecosystemsstanford-silicon-valley-success; ‘‘What are the key components of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in a developing economy? A longitudinal empirical study on technology business incubators in China’’, Xiangfei Yuana, Haijing Haob, Chenghua Guan, Alex Pentland, https://arxiv.org/pdf/2103.08131. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:53 Jan 26, 2023 Jkt 259001 and deployment (RDD&D) continuum for commercialization and manufacturing. • Capital: Access to financial resources (i.e., venture capital, private equity, angel investors, etc.) and technical resources (i.e., scientific and manufacturing equipment). • Social Capital: Local networking to incentivize and support the existence, development, and growth of innovation programs and companies. • Policy: Local and regional policies and incentives that support innovationdriven enterprises, economic development, and planning within a regional innovation center. • Collaboration with Industry: Mutually beneficial partnerships between public and private sectors to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, accelerate the commercialization of technologies, promote workforce development, and increase awareness of promising research, as well as provide directions for new research needs. • Community: Structure that supports the development, accessibility, inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and engagement with the local community in an equitable way. Place-based innovation initiatives can be used to cultivate innovation ecosystems in regions that have yet to realize benefits from the innovation renaissance of the past few decades. Building on existing research institutions, industrial infrastructure, concentrations of workforce skills, and connections to regional philanthropic and other civil society institutions, DOE can contribute to supporting localized economic growth models which will promote new regional innovation ecosystems. DOE seeks to stimulate innovation in regions surrounding the National Laboratories and Sites by: • Providing key RDD&D to accelerate commercialization of breakthrough technologies; • Driving development in the industrial and technology sectors of the future, such as innovations in advanced manufacturing, and supply chains, among others; • Fostering sustainable and equitable economic growth in underinvested regions of the U.S.; • Creating long-term high paying jobs in existing and new industries; • Facilitating engagement and partnership with local and regional communities adjacent to DOE Laboratories and Sites; and • Training and educating both the current and future diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. Innovation ecosystems anchored around DOE National Laboratories and PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Sites will directly support DOE’s missions, including advancing new and emerging clean energy technologies, combatting the effects of climate change, developing technologies to support our nation’s security, cleaning up of legacy nuclear waste, and developing a technically skilled workforce. Purpose DOE is seeking input from all stakeholders about opportunities for place-based innovation activities that leverage research institutions— particularly the National Laboratories and Sites—to catalyze innovation ecosystems, contribute to DOE’s mission in energy, environment, and national security and ensure our nation’s vibrant economic future. The information received in response to this RFI will inform, and be considered by, the DOE in program planning and development. This is solely a request for information and not a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), prize, or other solicitation. Request for Responses The objective of this RFI is to identify both opportunities and challenges for developing place-based innovation ecosystems anchored by DOE National Laboratories and Sites. DOE is interested in hearing about potential new activities, as well as ongoing activities that would benefit from additional support. Information related, but not limited, to the following questions is requested: Part A—Regional Characteristics • What makes your region competitive or unique for innovation? • What are your region’s top three areas of technical expertise or attributes that are relevant to DOE’s missions? • What untapped potential exists in your region? • What are the top three barriers to maximizing/growing your region’s innovation ecosystem? • What key areas of investment could be leveraged to realize untapped opportunities in your region? Part B—Place-Based Innovation Activity B.1: Existing Activities: Describe the Existing Place-Based Innovation Activity in Your Region • How does the activity connect to the immediate region or other specific location? • How does your activity engage with local/regional partners (e.g., Federal laboratories, industry, academia, financing/investment, community E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 18 / Friday, January 27, 2023 / Notices organizations, local and tribal governments, etc.)? • Are there any DOE National Laboratories or Sites currently involved? If so, how? • How does the activity contribute to one or more of the aforementioned key elements of an innovation ecosystem? • How does the activity foster belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion? • What are the challenges for existing innovation activities in your region? • How was this innovation activity initiated/funded? khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES B.2: Potential Activities: Describe Potential New or Expanded Place-Based Innovation Activities in Your Region • How would the new or expanded activity connect to the immediate region or other specific location? • How would your new or expanded activity engage with local/regional partners (e.g., Federal laboratories, industry, academia, funding/ investment, community organizations, local and tribal governments, etc.)? • How would the new or expanded activity contribute to one or more of the aforementioned key elements of an innovation ecosystem? • How would the new or expanded activity foster belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion? • What are the potential benefits of the new or expanded activity for your region? • What are the potential challenges for new innovation activities in your region? • What level of support would be required to facilitate the new or expanded activity? • What are potential sources of support for this expanded or new activity? Confidential Business Information. Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person submitting information that he or she believes to be confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via email two well-marked copies: one copy of the document marked ‘‘confidential’’ including all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked ‘‘non-confidential’’ with the information believed to be confidential deleted. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential status of the information and treat it according to its determination. Signing Authority This document of the Department of Energy was signed on November 10, 2022, by Dr. Geraldine L. Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:53 Jan 26, 2023 Jkt 259001 Innovation, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. The document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register. Signed in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2023. Treena V. Garrett, Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy. [FR Doc. 2023–01440 Filed 1–26–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY [Docket No. 15–96–LNG] Change In Control; Port Arthur LNG, LLC Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of change in control. 5325 hardship, please contact Office of Resource Sustainability staff at (202) 586–4749 or (202) 586–7893 to discuss the need for alternative arrangements. Once the Covid–19 pandemic health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates resuming all of its regular options for public comment submission, including postal mail and hand delivery/courier. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Wade or Peri Ulrey, U.S. Department of Energy (FE–34), Office of Regulation, Analysis, and Engagement, Office of Resource Sustainability, Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, Forrestal Building, Room 3E–042, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586– 4749 or (202) 586–7893, jennifer.wade@hq.doe.gov or peri.ulrey@hq.doe.gov Cassandra Bernstein, U.S. Department of Energy (GC–76), Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Energy Delivery and Resilience, Forrestal Building, Room 6D–033, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586– 9793, cassandra.bernstein@ hq.doe.gov AGENCY: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) (formerly the Office of Fossil Energy) of the Department of Energy (DOE) gives notice of receipt of a Statement of Change in Control (Statement) filed by Port Arthur LNG, LLC (PALNG) on December 21, 2022. The Statement describes a change in PALNG’s upstream ownership. The Statement was filed under the Natural Gas Act (NGA). DATES: Protests, motions to intervene, or notices of intervention, as applicable, and written comments are to be filed electronically as detailed in the Public Comment Procedures section no later than 4:30 p.m., Eastern time, February 13, 2023. ADDRESSES: Electronic Filing by email: fergas@hq.doe.gov. Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions through a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand delivery/courier, DOE has found it necessary to make temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of the ongoing Covid–19 pandemic. DOE is currently accepting only electronic submissions at this time. If a commenter finds that this change poses an undue Summary of Change in Control PALNG states that, on November 22, 2022, Sempra PALNG Holdings, LLC (Sempra PALNG Member) (a whollyowned subsidiary of Sempra Infrastructure Partners, LP (SI Partners) and the indirect upstream owner of PALNG) and ConocoPhillips Port Arthur LNG LLC (COP–PALNG Member) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Company (COP)) entered into an equity purchase and sale agreement (Transaction) whereby COP– PALNG Member will purchase from Sempra PALNG Member a noncontrolling 30 percent equity interest in Port Arthur Liquefaction Holdings, LLC (PA Liquefaction Holdings). PA Liquefaction Holdings directly holds 100 percent of the equity interest in PALNG. PALNG states that, following consummation of the Transaction, SI Partners will continue to maintain control of PALNG as the indirect 70 percent majority owner, with COP having certain minority protections as the indirect 30 percent minority owner. PALNG further states that the Transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023. A chart illustrating the ownership structure of PALNG before and after the Transaction is attached to the Statement as Exhibit A and B, respectively. Additional details can be found in the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\27JAN1.SGM 27JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 18 (Friday, January 27, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5323-5325]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-01440]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Activation Energy: DOE's National Laboratories as Catalysts of 
Regional Innovation

AGENCY: Office of Science, Office of Technology Transitions, Department 
of Energy.

ACTION: Request for information (RFI).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science and the 
Office of Technology Transitions invite interested parties to provide 
input on place-based innovation opportunities that support the DOE 
mission.

DATES: Responses to this RFI must be received by March 28, 2023.

ADDRESSES: DOE is using the www.regulations.gov system for the 
submission and posting of public comments in this proceeding. All 
comments in response to this RFI are therefore to be submitted 
electronically through www.regulations.gov, via the web form accessed 
by following the ``Submit a Formal Comment'' link near the top right of 
the Federal Register web page for this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information 
may be submitted to Charles Russomanno, [email protected], 
(202) 378-7815, Susannah Howieson, [email protected], (202) 
586-5121, Erik Hadland, [email protected], (240) 425-8125, 
or Margaux Murali, [email protected], (202) 586-3698.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Motivation

    DOE is exploring opportunities to strengthen place-based innovation 
activities leveraging the DOE National Laboratories and Sites.\1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ DOE Laboratories and sites are Ames Laboratory, Argonne 
National Laboratory, Bettis and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories, 
Brookhaven National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Kansas 
City National Security Campus, Lawrence Berkeley National 
Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos 
National Laboratory, National Energy Technology Laboratory and 
Albany Research Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Nevada 
National Security Site, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific 
Northwest National Laboratory, Pantex Plant, Princeton Plasma 
Physics Laboratory, Savannah River National Laboratory, Sandia 
National Laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Thomas 
Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, and Y-12 National Security 
Complex.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 5324]]

Background

    Federally funded research and development (R&D) has catalyzed 
innovation that has driven economic growth in the form of new 
businesses, more jobs, increased wages, higher standards of living, and 
environmental sustainability. However, growth has been primarily 
localized in certain United States (U.S.) metropolitan regions that 
have become flourishing innovation ecosystems,\2\ Elements of a 
thriving innovation ecosystem include, but are not limited to: \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Gruber, J., & Johnson, S. (2019). Jump-starting America: How 
breakthrough science can revive economic growth and the American 
dream; Atkinson, R., Muro, M., & Whiton, J. (2019). The Case for 
Growth Centers. The Brookings Institution & Information Technology 
and Innovation Foundation.
    \3\ Kauffman F Bell-Masterson, Jordan and Stangler, Dane, 
Measuring an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (March 2015). Available at 
SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2580336 or https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2580336; Evolution of the Industrial Innovation 
Ecosystem of Resource-Based Cities (RBCs): A Case Study of Shanxi 
Province, China, Jun Yao, Huajing Li 1,*, Di Shang and Luyang Ding, 
2021., https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/20/11350/pdf; MIT's 
Stakeholder Framework for Building and Accelerating Innovation 
Ecosystems, Budden, P, Murray, F., 2019, https://innovation.mit.edu/assets/MIT-Stakeholder-Framework_Innovation-Ecosystems.pdf; An MIT 
Framework for Innovation Ecosystem Policy, Budden, P, Murray, F, 
2018, https://innovation.mit.edu/assets/Framework-Ecosystem-Policy_Oct18.pdf; Kauffman Foundation, Universities and 
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, https://www.kauffmanfellows.org/journal_posts/universities-and-entrepreneurial-ecosystems-stanford-silicon-valley-success; ``What are the key components of an 
entrepreneurial ecosystem in a developing economy? A longitudinal 
empirical study on technology business incubators in China'', 
Xiangfei Yuana, Haijing Haob, Chenghua Guan, Alex Pentland, https://arxiv.org/pdf/2103.08131.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Talent: An educated and skilled workforce, as well as 
training programs to create and sustain this talent.
     Infrastructure: For research, commercial, industrial, and 
residential purposes--inclusive of physical spaces/facilities, 
utilities, transportation (including quality roadways and ready access 
to airports), and other features required for residential, industrial, 
and commercial purposes.
     Technology: Accessible scientific and technical knowledge 
throughout the research, development, demonstration, and deployment 
(RDD&D) continuum for commercialization and manufacturing.
     Capital: Access to financial resources (i.e., venture 
capital, private equity, angel investors, etc.) and technical resources 
(i.e., scientific and manufacturing equipment).
     Social Capital: Local networking to incentivize and 
support the existence, development, and growth of innovation programs 
and companies.
     Policy: Local and regional policies and incentives that 
support innovation-driven enterprises, economic development, and 
planning within a regional innovation center.
     Collaboration with Industry: Mutually beneficial 
partnerships between public and private sectors to facilitate the 
exchange of knowledge, accelerate the commercialization of 
technologies, promote workforce development, and increase awareness of 
promising research, as well as provide directions for new research 
needs.
     Community: Structure that supports the development, 
accessibility, inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and 
engagement with the local community in an equitable way.
    Place-based innovation initiatives can be used to cultivate 
innovation ecosystems in regions that have yet to realize benefits from 
the innovation renaissance of the past few decades. Building on 
existing research institutions, industrial infrastructure, 
concentrations of workforce skills, and connections to regional 
philanthropic and other civil society institutions, DOE can contribute 
to supporting localized economic growth models which will promote new 
regional innovation ecosystems. DOE seeks to stimulate innovation in 
regions surrounding the National Laboratories and Sites by:
     Providing key RDD&D to accelerate commercialization of 
breakthrough technologies;
     Driving development in the industrial and technology 
sectors of the future, such as innovations in advanced manufacturing, 
and supply chains, among others;
     Fostering sustainable and equitable economic growth in 
underinvested regions of the U.S.;
     Creating long-term high paying jobs in existing and new 
industries;
     Facilitating engagement and partnership with local and 
regional communities adjacent to DOE Laboratories and Sites; and
     Training and educating both the current and future 
diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce.
    Innovation ecosystems anchored around DOE National Laboratories and 
Sites will directly support DOE's missions, including advancing new and 
emerging clean energy technologies, combatting the effects of climate 
change, developing technologies to support our nation's security, 
cleaning up of legacy nuclear waste, and developing a technically 
skilled workforce.

Purpose

    DOE is seeking input from all stakeholders about opportunities for 
place-based innovation activities that leverage research institutions--
particularly the National Laboratories and Sites--to catalyze 
innovation ecosystems, contribute to DOE's mission in energy, 
environment, and national security and ensure our nation's vibrant 
economic future. The information received in response to this RFI will 
inform, and be considered by, the DOE in program planning and 
development. This is solely a request for information and not a Funding 
Opportunity Announcement (FOA), prize, or other solicitation.

Request for Responses

    The objective of this RFI is to identify both opportunities and 
challenges for developing place-based innovation ecosystems anchored by 
DOE National Laboratories and Sites. DOE is interested in hearing about 
potential new activities, as well as ongoing activities that would 
benefit from additional support. Information related, but not limited, 
to the following questions is requested:

Part A--Regional Characteristics

     What makes your region competitive or unique for 
innovation?
     What are your region's top three areas of technical 
expertise or attributes that are relevant to DOE's missions?
     What untapped potential exists in your region?
     What are the top three barriers to maximizing/growing your 
region's innovation ecosystem?
     What key areas of investment could be leveraged to realize 
untapped opportunities in your region?

Part B--Place-Based Innovation Activity

B.1: Existing Activities: Describe the Existing Place-Based Innovation 
Activity in Your Region

     How does the activity connect to the immediate region or 
other specific location?
     How does your activity engage with local/regional partners 
(e.g., Federal laboratories, industry, academia, financing/investment, 
community

[[Page 5325]]

organizations, local and tribal governments, etc.)?
     Are there any DOE National Laboratories or Sites currently 
involved? If so, how?
     How does the activity contribute to one or more of the 
aforementioned key elements of an innovation ecosystem?
     How does the activity foster belonging, accessibility, 
justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion?
     What are the challenges for existing innovation activities 
in your region?
     How was this innovation activity initiated/funded?

B.2: Potential Activities: Describe Potential New or Expanded Place-
Based Innovation Activities in Your Region

     How would the new or expanded activity connect to the 
immediate region or other specific location?
     How would your new or expanded activity engage with local/
regional partners (e.g., Federal laboratories, industry, academia, 
funding/investment, community organizations, local and tribal 
governments, etc.)?
     How would the new or expanded activity contribute to one 
or more of the aforementioned key elements of an innovation ecosystem?
     How would the new or expanded activity foster belonging, 
accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion?
     What are the potential benefits of the new or expanded 
activity for your region?
     What are the potential challenges for new innovation 
activities in your region?
     What level of support would be required to facilitate the 
new or expanded activity?
     What are potential sources of support for this expanded or 
new activity?
    Confidential Business Information. Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any 
person submitting information that he or she believes to be 
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via 
email two well-marked copies: one copy of the document marked 
``confidential'' including all the information believed to be 
confidential, and one copy of the document marked ``non-confidential'' 
with the information believed to be confidential deleted. DOE will make 
its own determination about the confidential status of the information 
and treat it according to its determination.

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on November 
10, 2022, by Dr. Geraldine L. Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and 
Innovation, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of 
Energy. The document with the original signature and date is maintained 
by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with 
requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE 
Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit 
the document in electronic format for publication, as an official 
document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no 
way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the 
Federal Register.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2023.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2023-01440 Filed 1-26-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.