COASTSYSTA Dahlgren Division, NSWC, 6703 West Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32407-7001

A -- DEVELOPMENT OF A 750 WATT KINEMATIC HEAT ENGINE FOR USE IN UDERWATER VEHICLES SOL N61331-96-Q-MK02 POC Mary Kitchen, Contract Specialist, (904)235-5389 Carol A. Dreger, Contracting Officer, (904)234-4863. This is a sources sought announcement only. A solicitation will not be issued as a result of this announcement. A new CBD announcement will be published if a solicitation is developed. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Coastal Systems Station is seeking potential sources for developing a 375 to 750 watt kinematic heat engine to power a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV). The vehicle must have a low magnetic signature and low acoustic signature for use in areas where underwater ordnance is known or suspected to be present. Electric motors, or motors requiring spark ignition are not suitable. Specific engine technologies of interest are Stirling cycle engines and Rankine cycle turbines, though other technologies will be considered if applicable. The engine must be capable of repeated starts and stops and provide the diver with some means of speed control, though this may be accomplished by means external to the engine itself. Respondents should describe their approach to this engine development, including their experience in this area. Knowledge of existing engines in this size range is of special interest. But promising developmental approaches will be considered. Responses to this announcement should include detailed characteristics and technical descriptions of engines in addition to information on historical usage. This announcement should not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Technical questions should be directed to Bill Gavin (904)234-4960, all other questions should be directed to Mary Kitchen, area code (904)235-5389. All technical information should be sent to: Coastal Systems Station, Dahlgren Division, NSWC, Attn: Code SC12/Mary Kitchen, 6703 West Highway 98, Panama City, Florida, 32407-7001. (0059)

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