U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office, 1617 Cole Blvd., Golden, CO 80401

A -- HYDROGEN FEASIBILITY STUDIES SOL DE-PS36-96GO10160 POC Contact, John Motz, (303) 275-4737/Contracting Officer, John Meeker, (303) 275-4748. The Department of Energy (DOE), under authority of Section 2026 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, Public Law 102-486, and the Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990, Public Law 101-566, is requesting applications as a follow-on to a Notice of Interest published in the Commerce Business Daily (on April 21, 1995). DOE is seeking private-sector led, cost-shared projects in research, development, and technology validation that include the integration of hydrogen technologies such as production, storage, transport, and end-use applications. The purpose of the solicitation is to assist the private sector in the development of integrated hydrogen systems for applications to near- and long-term markets. DOE encourages the submission of development plans for integrated systems related to long-term hydrogen energy markets, although DOE will consider applications for systems addressing near-term hydrogen 'niche' markets. In any case, all awardees will be required to participate in a Phase I effort prior to consideration by DOE for a subsequent award to participate in later phases. The anticipated progression of projects awarded under this solicitation will be: Phase I- Feasibility Studies (the subject of this solicitation), Phase II- Technology Development, Phase III- Technology Validation, and Phase IV- Demonstration/Scale-Up. The applications should provide detailed information regarding Phase I efforts, but should also include a sufficient description of anticipated efforts in follow-on Phases II through IV to provide an overall characterization of necessary steps to allow commercialization of the hydrogen technology/system at the conclusion of Phase IV. After the conclusion of the Phase I efforts by all awardees, DOE will evaluate the Phase I results and future plans of each awardee. Based upon technical, economic, and programmatic considerations, DOE may select awardees to participate in follow-on agreements without further competition. In Phase I, a cost-shared business and technical feasibility study will be undertaken which will result in the development of information necessary for follow-on applications in Phases II through IV. Applications submitted in response to this solicitation for Phase I should provide information including, but not limited to: a description of the proposed integrated system, including status of the individual component technologies; technology development requirements; anticipated market for the technology/system; energy efficiency; environmental impacts; economic performance; regulation, safety, and reliability issues; and capabilities, experience, and commitment of the proposer. In addition, the proposer will be required to report data using the HScan Planning Method. DOE will only consider awards to entities which are led by private-sector firms. The entity can include business partnerships, joint ventures, or other business relationships between such organizations as profit or non-profit corporations, educational institutions, etc. All respondents must propose to cost-share at least 50% of the total Phase I project cost from non-Federal sources (cost share in subsequent phases will be negotiated subject to statutory guidelines). Awards under this solicitation will be cooperative agreements, with a term of up to 9 months for Phase I. Depending on the availability of Fiscal Year 1997 funding for the DOE Hydrogen Program, it is anticipated that total DOE funding available for the Phase I efforts will be approximately $1,000,000. Individual awards under this solicitation for Phase I will not exceed $150,000 of DOE funding. The solicitation will be issued in June 1996, and will contain detailed information on funding, cost sharing requirements, eligibility, application preparation, the HScan Planning Method, DOE proposal evaluation criteria, and the proposal selection process for awards. Responses to the solicitation will be due 60 days after solicitation release. To obtain a copy of the solicitation once it is issued in June 1996, submit a written request to the U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office, 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, CO, 80401, Attention: Mr. John Motz, Contract Specialist. For convenience, requests for the solicitation may be faxed to Mr. Motz at (303) 275-4754. All responsible sources may submit an offer which will be considered, subject to the limitations above. (0145)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0001 19960528\A-0001.SOL)