Office of Naval Research, 800 N. Quincy Street Arlington, VA 22217-5660

A -- DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY GRAPHITE FIBERS POC Point of Contact: M. Kurzius, ONR 252A, (703) 696-2610. Broad Agency Announcement (BAA #GRAPH). Applied research and exploratory development proposals for the development of high thermal conductivity pitch-based graphite fibers and fiber reinforced composites for use in removing heat from advanced electronic systems in specific defense and commercial applications. The Navy has been investigating continuous filament graphite reinforced materials for a number of years. Although these materials have attributes that make them attractive candidates for space structures, the higher modulus pitch-based graphite fibers have also been shown to have extremely high thermal conductivities. These high thermal conductivity graphite fibers, when fabricated into composites with appropriate matrices, provide higher thermal conductivity structural materials than any which are currently available. Potential early users of these materials will be the electronic device community, since increasing performance requirements lead to high density chip packaging and high thermal fluxes that must be rapidly dissipated. Printed wiring boards (PWBs) are used extensively to mount electrical circuits and components. Important material properties for PWBs are high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, good high temperature resistance, light weight, and ease of fabrication. The overall objective is to optimize the process and fabrication processes and determine specific application areas that can provide the largest payoff. Application areas can include (but are not limited to) electronic applications, spacecraft, and advanced aircraft components. Particular areas of interest are: (1) evaluation of pitch and chemical precursors, (2) process innovation and optimization, (3) improvement of domestic pitch carbon fiber manufacturing processes, (4) characterization of the produced materials, and (5) transfer of the technology into specific applications. Teaming arrangements conducive to material/component development and application are strongly encouraged. Interested offerors are requested to submit a preproposal, the purpose of which is to preclude unwarranted effort by an offerer in preparing a full technical and cost proposal not considered to be responsive. Invitation to submit a full proposal based on preproposal screening does not assure award of a grant or contract. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this announcement is not considered an allowable direct cost under any resulting grant or contract. Potential offerors must submit an original plus four copies of the preproposal. No more than three pages should be used to describe: (1) the objective, (2) the approach, (3) how results will help guide monitoring and assessment. On additional pages as necessary, provide a budget estimate by cost and time (total and broken down by year for multi-year efforts, up to three years) as well as curriculum vitae of the principal investigator(s). The period of performance shall be from twenty four (24) to thirty six (36) months. On a separate, single cover page list in order: BAA #GRAPH, name(s) of principal investigator(s), address(es), and telephone number(s), preproposal title, requested funds, and duration of effort. Preproposals must be received by 1700, 1 March 1995 at the Office of Naval Research, Code 332, Room 502, Ballston Tower One, 800 North Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22217-5660. Technical questions should be addressed in writing to Program Manager at the preceding address of faxed to (703) 696-0934. We anticipate inviting full proposals by 30 April 1995, due by 30 May 1995 with recommendations for awards to be in place after 15 June 1995. Details regrading the format requirements for full proposals will be sent with submission invitations. Evaluation of pre- and full proposals are based on the following criteria, in descending order of importance: (1) overall scientific/engineering/technical merits of the proposal, (2) potential contributions of the effort to enhance properties of pitch-based carbon fibers to achieve high thermal conductivity and demonstrate their use in advanced electronic or other systems, (3) qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed principal investigator, team leader, or key personnel who are critical in achieving the proposal objectives, (4) the offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives, (5) collaborative efforts, (6) reasonableness and realism of cost, and (7) funds availability. This announcement constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) as contemplated in FAR 6.102(d) (2). No request for proposal (RFP), solicitation or other announcement of this opportunity will be made. This announcement will be open for one year from the date of publication. Awards may be made at anytime throughout the year and may take the form of contracts or grants. Submission of a proposal is not restricted in any way to any particular entity. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Institutions, and Small Disadvantaged Business are encouraged to participate. The Government reserves the right to select for all awards, some or none of the proposals (either in their entirety or part thereof) received in response to this announcement. Offerors may submit separate preproposals on any, or all of the specified areas of interest. Any negotiations that may be necessary will be conducted between the offeror and the Government Contracting Officer or representative. Questions concerning technical issues relating to this BAA should be directed to Dr. Lewis Sloter, Code 332, phone (703) 696-1453. Questions regarding business issues and legal matters relating to this BAA should be directed to Office of Naval Research, Attn: Mark J. Kurzius, Code 252, Ballston Tower One, 800 North Quincy Street, Arlington VA 22217-5660, phone: (703) 696-2610. (0005)

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