One way the Department of Energy gauges the state of a market is by asking those in the market for news. These
are called "Request for Information" (RFI) and are used to develop further policy. The DOE's Hydrogen Program just released an RFI on hydrogen and fuel cell early markets, especially three main topics: early market financial assistance, fuel cell performance testing, and community partnerships.

The DOE wants "information from relevant stakeholders to assist in the development of a possible Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for early market activities that will facilitate the commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies." Once the information is collected, the FOA will give monies to organizations that "cultivate demand for new hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, accelerate market development, and reduce non-R&D barriers that hinder market penetration." Sounds like a marketing agency could fill that role, doesn't it?

This particular RFI is open to any type of entity and the deadline to submit information is June 30, 2007. There's more information here.

[Source: DOE]