Industrial Assessment Centers
Oklahoma State University IAC
Sponsored by:
DOE MESC
Oklahoma State University IAC
Center Established 1982
Oklahoma State University
Director Dr. Hitesh D. Vora
IAC logo
Oklahoma State University
Implementation Grant Funding Opportunity Open
IMPORTANT: The grant program operates on a rolling basis and applications may be submitted at any time, with quarterly reviews.
Learn More
Implementation Grant Funding Opportunity Open
Qualifying* small and medium-sized US manufacturers, that received IAC or Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership assessments between 2018 and 2024, can now apply for grants for implementation of assessment recommendations up 50% of qualifying* project costs with a maximum of $300,000 per manufacturer.
IMPORTANT: The grant program now operates on a rolling basis and applications may be submitted at any time through the year, with quarterly reviews.
*See Full Grant Solicitation for full qualification and selection details.
IAC Center of the Year: 2004

The Oklahoma State University Industrial Assessment Center (OK-IAC) provides free energy, productivity, and waste assessments to small and medium-sized industrial facilities through funding provided by the US Department of Energy.

1,088 Assessments
7,614 Recommendations
14.54 Tbtu Energy Saving*
$135.23 million Cost Savings*
249 Students Trained
*Recommended Savings
Oklahoma State University also coordinates a Satellite IAC Center at:
Wichita State University
Generic IAC Assessment Activity
Generic IAC Assessment Activity
Generic IAC Assessment Activity
Related Papers & Publications
Diwas Subedi, Hitesh Vora, " A Brief Review: Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) Technology and Applicability, International Journal of Energy Management (AEE journal), Volume 4, Issue Number 5, Page 12, Oct 10, 2022, | OK-IAC
Hemal Keerthipati Sumanth; Hitesh Vora, " Brief Review on The Role of Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) for Energy Savings, International Journal of Energy Management (AEE journal),, Volume 4, Issue Number 5, Page 26, Oct 10, 2022, | OK-IAC
Adwait Chabukswar, Hitesh Vora, " A Review of the Effects of Lubrication on Machine Energy Efficiency, International Journal of Energy Management (AEE journal),, Volume 4, Number 4, Page 67, Aug 10, 2022, | OK-IAC
Noteworthy Feedback
"I would like to express my appreciation to Dr Hitesh Vora, Dr Michael McCombs and the entire team at OSU IAC. They have been extremely helpful to us as we pursue improving the energy efficiency at our factory. From our first communication with them they have been very responsive and eager to work to..." more
- Source: Alan Vance, Chief Executive Officer, Broce Manufacturing, 02/20/2023
"The individuals involved in this program are very professional and helpful. They are willing to take the time to explain the process and put it in terms where the learning gained can be used across the board in future projects as well as helping to create a more sustainable environment for the compa..." more
- Source: Kevin Manley, Director of EHS and Compliance, MTM Recognition, 03/21/2022
"My name is Lewis Chambers and I am the EHS Manager at Georg Fischer Central Plastics. Our corporate office does implement Sustainability Goals and Objectives to reduce energy, our carbon footprint, and landfill waste. I have used the OSU Industrial Assessment Center for multiple locations to help id..." more
- Source: Lewis Chambers, EHS Manager, Georg Fischer Central Plastics, 04/04/2022
Assessment - Case Studies
OK | Assessment: OK0919
The Importance of Investing in Energy Efficient Equipment
OK | Assessment: OK0839
Energy Savings for Brick Manufacturers
OK | Assessment: OK0812
SLW Automotive Works with IAC to Capture Savings & Reduce Costs
OK | Assessment: OK0736
Increasing Worker Safety and Savings Through Baking Oven Re-insulation
OK | Assessment: OK0723
Assessment Center saves company $60,000
OK | Assessment: OK0658
Automotive Door Seal Maker Implements IAC Recommendations
Related Papers & Publications
2022
6 Papers / Publications
Diwas Subedi, Hitesh Vora, " A Brief Review: Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) Technology and Applicability, International Journal of Energy Management (AEE journal), Volume 4, Issue Number 5, Page 12, Oct 10, 2022, | OK-IAC
Hemal Keerthipati Sumanth; Hitesh Vora, " Brief Review on The Role of Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) for Energy Savings, International Journal of Energy Management (AEE journal),, Volume 4, Issue Number 5, Page 26, Oct 10, 2022, | OK-IAC
Adwait Chabukswar, Hitesh Vora, " A Review of the Effects of Lubrication on Machine Energy Efficiency, International Journal of Energy Management (AEE journal),, Volume 4, Number 4, Page 67, Aug 10, 2022, | OK-IAC
Chaitali Borse, Prayash Bhattarai, Jason Throckmorton, Michael McCombs, Hitesh Vora, " The Drivers of Green Supply Chain Management with the Perspective of Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, International Journal of Energy Management (AEE journal),, Volume 4, Number 4, Page 49, Aug 10, 2022, | OK-IAC
Shahu Chunade, Adwait Chabukswar, Prayash Bhattarai, Michael McCombs, Hitesh Vora, " A comprehensive review - Development of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology and Energy efficiency recommendations, International Journal of Energy Management (AEE journal), Number 4, Aug 10, Page 31, Aug 10, 2022, | OK-IAC
Pragya Niraula, Prayash Bhattarai, Michael L. McCombs, Hitesh Vora, " A Brief Review on the Variable Frequency Drives with the Perceptive of Energy Savings, International Journal of Energy Management (AEE journal), Volume 4, Number 4, Page 11, Aug 10, 2022, | OK-IAC
2021
1 Papers / Publications
Throckmorton, Jason; Vora, Hitesh, " A Theoretical Framework for a Fired Equipment Energy Economics & Emissions Management System, Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), International Journal of Strategic Energy and Environmental Planning, 2021. Vol. 4, Issue No. 2., May, | OK-IAC
2020
2 Papers / Publications
Hitesh D. Vora, Pragya Niraula, Amrit Chugani, Nilesh Baraskar, Anusha Saraf, and Michael L McCombs, " The Relationship of Energy Audits from the OSU Industrial Assessment Center to the Land-Grant Mission of the University, 2020 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. June 21-24, 2020., Montreal, Quebec, Canada, June, | OK-IAC
Abhimanyu Sah, Devarshi Tharwala, Pragya Niraula, Komal Soni, Michael McCombs, Hitesh D. Vora, " Prominent factors affecting implementation rate of energy efficiency recommendations in manufacturing industries in USA, International Journal of Energy Management Vol 2, No 3, | OK-IAC
2018
1 Papers / Publications
McCombs, Michael Lee, " Industrial Energy Audit Reports: A Heuristic for Improved Efficacy, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2018. 10815481, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, | OK-IAC
2017
1 Papers / Publications
Patrick Smith, " Sustainable Energy Management System Framework for Small and Medium Sized Manufacturing Facilities, Dissertation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK 74078, July, | OK-IAC
2012
2 Papers / Publications
Julio C. Vicencio-Ortiz & William J. Kolarik, " The Assessment of the Impacts of Improvement Projects in the Interrelated Processes: A Cross-Case Study, Quality Management Journal, Volume 19, Issue 3, ASQ, Taylor & Francis, November, | OK-IAC
Eric A. Woodroof , Wayne C. Turner , Warren Heffington, Barney Capehart , " Energy Conservation Also Yields: Capital, Operations, Recognition, and Environmental Benefits, Energy Engineering, July, | OK-IAC
2007
2 Papers / Publications
Haiyan Zhao, " Evaluating Economic Strategies for Multi-party Application of Performance Contracting, Dissertation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK 74078, December, | OK-IAC
William J. Kolarik, " Industrial Assessment Center Program, Technical Report, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK 74078, February, | OK-IAC
2006
4 Papers / Publications
Wisit Kumphai, " Energy Index Decomposition Methodology at the Plant Level, Dissertation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK 74078, | OK-IAC
Robert Scott Frazier, " A Proposed Systematic Method for Identifying and Characterizing Energy Management Opportunities in Manufacturing Facilities, SAE International, SAE 2006 World Congress & Exhibition, April 3, | OK-IAC
Haiyan Zhao , William Kolarik , Wayne Turner & Kenneth Case, " A Win-Win Strategy to Energy Financing Challenges - Performance Contracts, Energy Engineering Journal , Volume 103, 2006 - Issue 4, Published online: 22 Jul 2009, | OK-IAC
Robert Scott Frazier, " An Exergy Diagnostic Methodology for Energy Management in Manufacturing, Dissertation, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK 74078, December, | OK-IAC
Noteworthy Feedback
"I would like to express my appreciation to Dr Hitesh Vora, Dr Michael McCombs and the entire team at OSU IAC. They have been extremely helpful to us as we pursue improving the energy efficiency at our factory. From our first communication with them they have been very responsive and eager to work together with us. When they came on-site for the energy audit, it was obvious that they were well prepared and are very knowledgeable about the role of energy consumption in manufacturing. The communication has been excellent at every stage of the process and they have gone above and beyond in terms of helping us to meet deadlines for grant applications. In addition to the high level of professionalism and expertise in their field, they have simply been a pleasant and friendly group of people to work with. I highly recommend them to any Oklahoma company that is looking to move forward in energy efficiency."
- Source: Alan Vance, Chief Executive Officer, Broce Manufacturing, 02/20/2023
"The individuals involved in this program are very professional and helpful. They are willing to take the time to explain the process and put it in terms where the learning gained can be used across the board in future projects as well as helping to create a more sustainable environment for the company. I have high hopes for this program and its ability to help us achieve a more energy-efficient status as well as help us to look at all future endeavors through a refined lens to better chose what can help us to achieve our goals of a greener and sustainable future."
- Source: Kevin Manley, Director of EHS and Compliance, MTM Recognition, 03/21/2022
"My name is Lewis Chambers and I am the EHS Manager at Georg Fischer Central Plastics. Our corporate office does implement Sustainability Goals and Objectives to reduce energy, our carbon footprint, and landfill waste. I have used the OSU Industrial Assessment Center for multiple locations to help identify and calculate energy savings for our facilities. The Teams are always professional and do a great job at identifying ways we can reduce energy and waste. One thing I like most is when they identify a way to reduce the energy they are also able to provide energy savings R.O.I's to help when requesting capital for the projects. We have been able to implement several projects that have reduced our energy consumption by over two million K.W.H annually. I really appreciate this service that they offer and plan on using them in the future as our business grows."
- Source: Lewis Chambers, EHS Manager, Georg Fischer Central Plastics, 04/04/2022
"Dr. Hitesh Vora and Dr. McCombs lead a team of several engineering students with the Industrial Assessment Center program. This program was a rewarding experience for both sides of the assessment. This program helps students receive hands-on real-world experiences by helping to find practical energy-saving solutions for small businesses. The team analyzes ways for facilities to save energy. The survey report has helped our company use less energy by implementing the changes recommended and helped secure grant funding for future energy savings. The reports and data provided in the audit are easy to understand and even include ROI based on the actual energy cost. It is vital that we work together to create a more energy-conscious future for generations to come."
- Source: Alex Crow, General Manager, Ground Zero Storm Shelters, 05/08/2023
"The OSU IAC program is a valuable resource for small manufacturers such as ourselves with limited resources. The team was able to identify areas that we often take for granted due to our being immersed in the facility on a daily basis. Through the use of a moderate-sized team of OSU graduate students, led by an industry energy expert Dr. McCombs, the team was able to evaluate our entire operations with a fresh set of eyes. After the data was collected and analyzed by the team, and easy to read and understand report was generated with energy-saving recommendations, providing tangible data that can be used to achieve real savings and reductions on energy usage to our facility's bottom line. I look forward to the opportunity to utilize this resource again in the future to provide further insight into additional energy-saving opportunities for our operations."
- Source: Travis Schifferns, Plant Manager, Franklin Electric, 05/05/2020
"Thank you for the team’s hard work and performing such a detailed audit. We look forward to reviewing the findings and implementing the recommendations. The audit was much enjoyed by both parties. The enthusiasm the students and staff were great to see and the recommendations from the audit will play an important role as we continually strive to reduce our environmental impacts. We will definitely refer you to other companies. Jeremy Adkins EHS Manager CRC-Evans Pipeline International 10700 E. Independence St.| Tulsa, OK 74116-5601 | USA E Jeremy.adkins2@sbdinc.com T (918) 439-1302 | C (918) 378-9885 www.stanleyblackanddecker.com "
- Source: Jeremy Adkins , EHS Manager, CRC-Evans Pipeline International, 06/12/2019
"MAX extends a big thank you to the team for an outstanding job on the energy evaluation conducted last fall at MAX Aerostructures. The comprehensive report the team provided us was instrumental in understanding the cost savings opportunity and prioritizing each project for implementation. Having the right information makes the decision to start the journey of saving energy that much easier. Great job to you and your team!! "
- Source: Jarrod Young, Director of Quality Assurance, MAX Aerostructures, 07/15/2019
"I want to personally thank you and your team members who came down from OSU to audit our facility. The information you gathered over the three day period will save our company thousands of dollars every year. We are currently in the process of getting quotes to transition over to LED in our facility. Without the audit we would have not known how much energy we were losing each year, and most likely would have never started the possess of changing them. I would recommend the audit to any company that wants to save money and cut energy cost. Thanks again OSU you Rock.. Terry Langley Facility Maintenance Manager Office – 580-389-5505 Cell – 214-478-4116 http://www.kacommercialcorp.com "
- Source: Terry Langley, Facility Maintenance Manager, King Aerospace, 03/18/2019
"The OSU team, headed by Patrick Smith and working under the direction of Dr. William Kolarik, was absolutely outstanding. It was a sincere pleasure to interact with them during their visit; they were well-prepared, diligent, thoughtful guests. They offered appropriate comments and initial feedback same-day, indicating a good working knowledge of systems and opportunities. Following their visit, the bound industrial assessment arrived in professional format and with straightforward, substantive suggestions which are practical and achievable. We will enjoy implementing these improvements, and we look forward to the meaningful difference these efficiencies will make for our operating budget and our future opportunities. "
- Source: Diana Adams, Owner, Central States Business Forms, 11/19/2015
Center Director Dr. Hitesh D. Vora
Email hitesh.vora@okstate.edu
Phone # +14057449578
Mailing Address 559 Engineering North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Assistant Director Dr. Bayram Yildirim
Assistant Director Dr. Deepak Gupta
Assistant Director Dr. Michael McCombs
Other Kyle Robison
Oklahoma State University has trained 249 students
The following students have participated in IAC assessments with Oklahoma State University since 2003, when student name tracking began.
The 99 students (in BOLD) have also been awarded IAC student certificates for exceptional participation.

Aaron Douglas
Abdurrezzak Sener
Abhijeet A. Barve
Abhijeet Sadhu
Abhijit Patil
Abhimanyu Sah
Abhishek Mukherjee
Abhishek Pathak
Abinash Kumar Gupta
Aditya Purohit
Aditya Shete
Adnan
Adwait Chabukswar
Ahmet Akgun
Ajaykumar Aripirala
Ajit Kameshwara Rao
Akshaya Satpute
Alex Zhukov
Alexander Gaines
Alexander Priyawardhana
Alok Dand
Ameya A. Dixit
Amit Awate
Amol Birje
Amol Shenoy
Amrit Chugani
Ana Gonzalez
Andrew Austin
Andrew Bakewell
Aniket Padval
Antonio Valencia
Anusha Saraf
Aref Qazanfari
Arnold Ankrah
Arvind Srihari
Ashfaque A. Mohib
Ashkan Jaromi
Ashraf Hammouri
Austin Nefzger
Bayram Yildirim
Benjamin Farris
Bintou Bayo
Boshra Karimi
Brandon Brown
Brett Cowan
Brian Mathias
Brian Pavel
Brinkli M Abbitt
Burhani Razvi
Carol Jones
Caroline France
CD Nayak
Cem Diniz
Chaitali Borse
Chase Harding
Chelsea Wilson
Chiemezie Anthony Udemba
Chris Sallas
Claudia Escobar
Cooley, Emma Laureen
Craig Parsons
Cynthia Craig
Dan Clifford
Daniel Navaresse
Daniel Valencia
Daric Adair
Darin Nutter
David Everly
Deepak Gupta
Denay Hamm
Devarshi Tharwala
Diwas Subedi
Doug Hoersten
Dr. Hitesh D. Vora
Dr. Terry Collins
Dustin Neuenschwander
Ebru Barut
Elham Kookhahi
Eliseo Barreno
Evan Hawk
Farnaz Ghazi Nezami
Fei-Ting Chang
Fenil Desai
Ford Lewallen
Freddy Hutt
Garet Standridge
Gokcen Akgun
Griffin Chodak
Haiyan Zhao
Hariharasundram Srinivasan
Hayden Hilst
Hemal Keerthipati Sumanth
Heramb Amonkar
Hessamedin Vali
Himavanth Sakshi
Hirbod Gazori
Hugh Maguire
Jacob Everly
James Davis
Jamie Janota
Jason Throckmorton
Jay Shah
Jeremy Lee
Johanna Perez
John Osborne
Joo Ching Yong
Jorge Espinosa
Joyce Taylor
Julio Vicencio
Justin Kirby
Kaitlin Krause
Kalpak Karule
Kannan Ramasamy
Kapil Pundir
Katie Fyre
Katie McLarty
Kaveta Chelliah
Kazim Topuz
Khaled Bawaneh
Kian Er
Kolade Oke
Kritika Bhandari
Kuldeep More
Kylie Meier
Lacy Greening
Landan Taylor
Latefah Miller
Lavanya Eswaran
Leonardo Souza
Lipkian Saw
Loksagar Rudraraju Subramanyam
M. Amin Esmaeilli
Mahendhar Mittapally
Manas Kakade
Mark Bertucci
Mathew Plummer
Matthew Edgeller
Megan Robinson
Michael L. McCombs
Michael R. Branch
Michelle Biby
Mithun Buthada
Moayad Almatar
Morad Rahmani
Mostafa Hasan
Muhammed Ceylan
Mukesh Vohara
Mun Tyng Chew
Natalie Whalen
Nathan Greb
Neha Shah
Niaz Sharif
Nilesh Baraskar
Nimeet Doshi
Nita Hivarekar
Nithya Sankaranarayanan
Noel Noriega
Nofirman
Oleksiy Zhukov
Ozlem Cosgun
Pankaj Neupane
Patrick Smith
Paul Saugato
Peter Koyianis
Pradeep Mulage
Pragya Niraula
Prashant Shinde
Pratap Jadhav
Prateek Raje
Prayash Dutta Bhattarai
Probir Shah
Pushkar Vartak
Rahul Nomula
Rajkumar Pattabi
Randy Bowler
Ranjith
Ranjith Murthy
Raymond Lininger
Richard Tan
Rick Couvillion
Robby Hill
Roman Gorodov
Russel Simkins
Ryan Eckl
Saeed Rubaee
Sahil Bhosale
Sai Brindha KVS
Sairam Seemakurthi
Salem Algarni
Sampath Chintagiri
SAndeep Putta
Sarang Baviskar
Saroj Neupane
Satyajit Patil
Scott Frazier
Scott Makintubee
Scotty McKnight
Seak Hwa Tan
Senthoor Dhanapal
Seth Sade
Shahu Chunade
Shailesh Negi
Shane Fernandes
Shankar Earni
Shawn Sauerbry
Shraddha Bherde
Shravan Iyer
Shravan Rao
Siddharth Divecha
Snehal Durugkar
Sree Krishna Somayajula
Srinivasa Rao Venigalla
Stephen Ellis
Stetson Spencer
Steven Hryniewics
Subarna Haque
Suna Cinar
Swapnil Gajjar
Syed Abdul Rahman
Tanay Bapat
Tejasv Bharadwaj
Thomas Hong
Tionne Jean Fultz
Tommy Coulter
Tuan Truong
Vahid Jannesari
Varun Ramanujam
Vicky Rijhwani
Vighnesh Naik
Vijay V.Ghuge
Vinodbasalalli Basalalli
Vishwaraj Naik Nimbalkar
Vivek Dubey
Vivin Madanayakanahalli
Wade Svetgoff
Walter Penn
Wei Guo
Wendy Lau Wong
will gibson
William Bryant
Wisam Siddiqui
Wisit Kumphai
Yash Patel
Yatiraj Gharse
Yejun Kim
Yudong Liu
Zach Alderman
Zhi-Liang Yaw
Ziad Alseoudi