SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTORATE, US ARMY NATICK RD&E CENTER, ATTN: SATNC-W, NATICK MA 01760-5018

91 -- ENHANCED FUEL BAR SOL W13G07-CBD6-0026 POC Mark Smith (508) 233-4673 (Site Code DAAK60) This is not a request for proposals. There is no solicitation document. The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Center is conducting Market Research to compile a list of Companies who are manufacturing and selling fuels. The fuels will provide the individual soldier with a high energy heat source that will be used primarily to heat food items and 24 ounces of beverages (canteen cup) while in a field environment. Advantages of current technology can provide a cleaner burning fuel with an increased heating to weight capacity. The current standard fuel bar, Trioxane, produces noxious and potentially hazardous fumes that restrict its overall usefulness. Trioxane consists primarily of the chemical metaformaldehyde, and formaldehyde has been recently identified by OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH as a suspected carcinogen. While the current fuel bar is relatively light in weight and burns without smoke, there are a variety of fuels based on ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, and diethylene glycol that provide the same function but are nonhazardous. These fuels also burn slower and more efficiently so that less fuel is required. Interested firms must submit within (45) days following the publication of this synopsis, information on their product lines. The documents should contain the following: product descriptions (i.e., composition, weight, estimated burn time, cost); locations of facilities; and any other documents which the firm believes demonstrate its ability to produce the product. In addition, include whether the firm is a small business or small disadvantaged business. (0213)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0476 19960801\91-0002.SOL)