The U.S. Department of Energy is searching for an operator for the National Institute for Petroleum and Energy Research (Niper) in Bartlesville, Okla.
DOE wants proposals by July 29 from organizations interested in running the government owned, 17 acre complex which employs more than 200 technical and support staff. DOE expects to select an operating contractor by the end of the year.
IIT Research Institute, Chicago, currently operates Niper.
The next operating contractor will receive a 5 year contract beginning Oct. 1, 1993.
DOE expects Niper to play a major role in its expanded national oil recovery program, a government-industry effort designed to demonstrate methods to prolong the life of the country's most common oil reservoirs.
WHAT'S PLANNED
In its call for proposals, DOE said Niper will continue to have a key role in in-house research and transferring improved oil field technology to the oil industry.
Under the anticipated operating contract, Niper's staff will be able to undertake certain types of reimbursable work for organizations other than DOE.
DOE also is encouraging the prospective operator to team with universities, industry, and other research organizations in conducting experimental programs, along with exchanging research personnel and providing access to Niper's laboratory equipment.
DOE said during the 5 year contract the next operator could manage more than $200 million in federal funding for petroleum related research, field testing, data processing and support, and facilities operation, maintenance, and construction.
The contractor will be responsible for administering part of DOE's oil field research and field demonstration program. The field demonstration will provide federal matching funds to oil field operators to test improved methods to prolong well life.
Niper was established in 1918. In 1983 DOE transferred its operation to a private firm to reduce costs and allow the facility to expand to nongovernment work.
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