DEAR0001858
Cooperative Agreement
Overview
Grant Description
3048-1514, MELNIC, LLC new award
GOPHURRS (SBIR/STTR), FOA-DE0003048. Project description: Grid overhaul with proactive, high-speed undergrounding for reliability, resilience, and security.
This cooperative agreement is awarded to MELNIC TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, to collaborate with Florida State University (FSU) to develop a novel splice for medium voltage (MV) cables (5-35 kV) that not only eliminates human error and withstands environmental stressors, but also performs under electrical stress in ways unforeseen by current methods of wire splicing for a project entitled, “Enhancing reliability and resilience of underground distribution systems using innovative splicing''.
GOPHURRS (SBIR/STTR), FOA-DE0003048. Project description: Grid overhaul with proactive, high-speed undergrounding for reliability, resilience, and security.
This cooperative agreement is awarded to MELNIC TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, to collaborate with Florida State University (FSU) to develop a novel splice for medium voltage (MV) cables (5-35 kV) that not only eliminates human error and withstands environmental stressors, but also performs under electrical stress in ways unforeseen by current methods of wire splicing for a project entitled, “Enhancing reliability and resilience of underground distribution systems using innovative splicing''.
Awardee
Funding Goals
GOPHURRS (GRID OVERHAUL WITH PROACTIVE, HIGH-SPEED UNDERGROUNDING FOR RELIABILITY, RESILIENCE, AND SECURITY) INTENDS TO FUND A PORTFOLIO OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES BASED ON BOLD AND UNCONVENTIONAL IDEAS THAT WILL TRANSFORM THE CONSTRUCTION OF UNDERGROUND MEDIUM VOLTAGE (MV, 5 – 46 KV) POWER DISTRIBUTION GRIDS (E.G., PRIMARY FEEDERS AND LATERALS) IN URBAN AND SUBURBAN AREAS AND REDUCE THE COST OF UNDERGROUNDING ELECTRIC POWER GRIDS BY AT LEAST 50% IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL RELIABILITY, RESILIENCE, AND SECURITY OF POWER INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE UNITED STATES.
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Twin Falls County,
Idaho
United States
Geographic Scope
City-Wide
Melni was awarded
Cooperative Agreement DEAR0001858
worth $1,999,978
from Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy in May 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Twin Falls County Idaho United States.
The grant
has a duration of 3 years and
was awarded through assistance program 81.135 Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy.
The Cooperative Agreement was awarded through grant opportunity SBIR/STTR Grid Overhaul with Proactive, High-speed Undergrounding for Reliability, Resilience, and Security (GOPHURRS).
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
ENHANCING RELIABILITY AND RESILIENCE OF UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS USING INNOVATIVE SPLICING
Abstract
Melni Technologies is redesigning and developing novel medium-voltage power cable splice kits that require fewer steps and streamline connections to greatly reduce human errors and boost the reliability of underground electrical power distribution systems. The splice kits feature Melni's proprietary Dual Helix Spiral Technology, which expands and contracts as electrical currents and temperatures vary. The kit also contains an integrated housing system with medium-voltage insulation and components that require only basic hand tools for installation. Melni’s proposed kits could be installed in 10-15 minutes, which is 3-4 times faster than conventional kits, and would reduce failures and mistakes up to 90% by eliminating installation steps and potential human errors.
Topic Code
DE-FOA-0003048
Solicitation Number
DE-FOA-0003048
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 4/14/25
Period of Performance
5/8/24
Start Date
5/7/27
End Date
Funding Split
$2.0M
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$2.0M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Transaction History
Modifications to DEAR0001858
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
DEAR0001858
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
None
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
897030 ADVANCED RSRCH PROJ AGENCY ARPA-E
Funding Office
897002 ADVANCED RSRCH PROJ AGENCY ARPA-E
Awardee UEI
MJV9D9K27UM5
Awardee CAGE
6YP94
Performance District
ID-02
Senators
James Risch
Michael Crapo
Michael Crapo
Modified: 4/14/25