U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge Operations Office, Procurement and Contracts Division, Environmental Acquisitions Branch, 200 Administration Road, P. O. Box 2001, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, Attn: Mary Lou Crow

A -- NOTICE OF PROGRAM INTEREST IN SUPPORTING THE COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR A HIGH EFFICIENCY, VERY LOW EMISSION, DIESEL ENGINE FOR LIGHT TRUCKS SOL DE-RP05-96OR22533 POC Technical Contact Points, Mary Rawlins, 423-576-4507, William Siegel, 202-586-2457, Contract Specialist, Mary Lou Crow, 423-576-7343 The Department of Energy is interested in supporting the cooperative development of technologies for a high efficiency, very low emission, diesel engine for light trucks, specifically pickups and sport utility vehicles. This market segment has grown from 23% in 1984 to over 42% in 1995 representing a substantial influx of low fuel economy vehicles into the public and private fleets. This trend threatens to increase the rate of U.S. dependance on foreign petroleum beyond current projections. The Department of Energy has sponsored research in high efficiency diesel engines for several years. These programs have assisted industry in continuously improving the technology in diesel engines for large trucks (class 6-8) which have resulted in efficiencies approaching 45% in current production (vs 27% for gasoline engines) and 55% in advanced research designs. The Department is proposing the application of this advanced technology to diesel engines specifically designed for the light truck market. Current penetration of diesels has been limited to the larger pickups (over 8500 lbs GVW) due to emission regulations. The new design must meet all proposed emission regulations for vehicles under 8500 GVW, while maintaining performance levels expected of current production gasoline engines. Efficiency targets will be cited in terms of vehicle miles per gallon (equivalent BTU basis) and at least a 35% improvement is sought over comparable, current production vehicles. Applications are to be prepared in accordance with 10 CFR 600.10 and shall not exceed five (5) pages. Along with the application, applicants are required to submit (1) SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance, (2) Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements, (3) Assurance of Compliance Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs, and (4) DOE F 4620.1, Budget Page. These forms may be obtained from the Contract Specialist and will not be included in the five (5) page limitation. All applications will be evaluated as unsolicited applications. The criteria for selection and funding will be based on the offeror's internal technical capabilities in terms of diesel engine development and manufacturing, and a demonstration of the intent in moving theresultant technology to production targeted for light trucks. The latter can be shown by partnering with a domestic, high volume light truck manufacturer on this development effort. The following types of factors will be considered in DOE's evaluation: (1) The overall merit of the proposed project or activity. (2) The anticipated objectives to be achieved and the probability of achieving the stated objectives. (3) The facilities or techniques which the applicant proposes to make available to achieve the proposed project's objectives. (4) The qualifications of the proposed project director or key personnel who are considered to be critical to the achievement of the proposed project's objectives. Award will be subject to the Energy Policy Act of 1992, Section 2306, which contains the following limitation: ''Section 2306. Limits on Participation by Companies -- A company shall be eligible to receive financial assistance under sections XX through XXIII of this Act only if-- (1) the Secretary finds that the company's participation in any program under such titles would be in the economic interest of the United States, as evidenced by investments in the United States in research, development, and manufacturing (including, for example, the manufacture of major components or subassemblies in the United States); significant contributions to employment in the United States; an agreement with respect to any technology arising from assistance provided under this section to promote the manufacture within the United States of products resulting from that technology (taking into account the goals of promoting the competitiveness of United States industry), and to procure parts and materials from competitive suppliers; and (2) either-- (A) the company is a United States-owned company; or (B) the Secretary finds that the company is incorporated in the United States and has a parent company which is incorporated in a country which affords to United States-owned companies opportunities, comparable to those afforded to any other company, to participate in any joint venture similar to those authorized under this Act; affords to United States-owned companies local investment opportunities comparable to those afforded to any other company; and affords adequate and effective protection for the intellectual property rights of United States-owned companies.'' A four (4) to five (5) year, 50% cost shared competitive program is anticipated with multiple industry teams. A financial assistance cooperative agreement award instrument will be used. Total program costs are expected to be in the range of $25 to $50 million per team. Submit five (5) copies of the application any time prior to expiration of this notice, which is 4:00 PM EDT on September 9, 1996. All responsible sources may submit an application. (0213)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0012 19960801\A-0012.SOL)