US Department of Energy, Chicago Operations Office, 9800 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439

A -- PROGRAM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENT (PRDA) FOR INTEGRATED FUEL CELL SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS FOR TRANSPORTATION AND BUILDINGS SOL PRDA DOE-CH/96-2. Due 121596. Contact Brian Cass, Contract Specialist, 630/252-2338; Contracting Officer, Charles G. Frazier, 630/252-2082; Internet, DOE Chicago Home Page, http://www.anl.gov/DOE.CH/division/acq/acq_home.htm. The US Department of Energy (DOE) plans to acquire research and development on advanced fuel processors and proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The focus of this research is on light-duty transportation applications and on PEM-based cogeneration systems for commercial buildings. The solicitation seeks innovative research and development in the following three program topic areas: (1) complete power systems suitable for automobiles in which the fuel cell is integrated with a fuel processor that can operate on common transportation fuels (e.g., methanol, ethanol, gasoline, and natural gas), (2) research that addresses critical issue(s) and/or component(s) of the fuel processor or fuel cell systems, and (3) advanced PEM fuel cell systems for light commercial buildings that demonstrate the potential of this technology in cogeneration applications. (1) Offerors may propose to deliver a complete fuel cell system with the potential of being packaged into an automobile. The DOE is seeking an innovative fuel cell integrated with a compact fuel processor which embodies innovative approaches for fuel sulfur removal/reactor/catalyst design, and post-processor contaminant (i.e., residual CO) cleanup. The contractor is expected to deliver to DOE a complete fuel cell power system with an electrical output of 50-60 kW that is capable of operating on common transportation fuels (e.g., methanol, ethanol, gasoline, and natural gas). Offerors must demonstrate the requisite knowledge and ability to successfully integrate the various components into a complete vehicle propulsion system with demonstrated potential to meet automotive requirements. DOE anticipates that one or two projects will be selected for funding at about $8 million for three years. (2) Highly focused proposals that address critical issue(s) or component(s) in fuel cell power systems that will also be considered. Duration of these projects could be one to three years depending on the scope of the proposed program. Offerors must demonstrate an understanding of how the proposed work can be integrated at an appropriate scale. DOE anticipates that up to four projects will be selected for funding at about $0.5 up to $3 million depending on the project scope. (3) The DOE, also, is seeking an innovative PEM fuel cell-based cogeneration system fueled by natural gas for commercial buildings. The contractor is expected to deliver a 50 kW integrated system containing the PEM fuel cell, natural gas reformer, power conditioning and heat recovery subsystems, and control system. Offerors may identify a suitable host site and conduct a demonstration of their technology, if they wish to do so. DOE anticipates that one project will be selected for funding at about $500,000 per year for up to five years. DOE may elect to fund only a portion of the work proposed. A minimum cost share of 25 percent is mandatory, a higher cost share is desirable. Teaming arrangements are encouraged, especially those that include universities and small businesses. Teaming arrangements of this sort ensure timely technology transfer to the private sector and enhance US industrial competitiveness. Facilities and/or property for accomplishing this effort will not be provided by DOE. Offerors are expected to provide all necessary personnel, facilities, special test equipment and materials to complete the proposed project. Offerors are encouraged to utilize existing facilities to the extent possible. DOE intends to issue a Program Research and Development Announcement, (PRDA), No. DOE-CH/96-2, on or about October 15, 1996. Depending upon availability of funds, it is anticipated that cost-share type of contracts will be awarded. The proposal due date will be approximately 60 days from the date the PRDA is issued. Organizations interested in receiving a PRDA solicitation package should submit their name, address and telephone number to Brian Cass, US Department of Energy, DOE Chicago Operations Office, 9800 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439. No telephone requests for the solicitation will be accepted. However, telefax requests for the PRDA will be accepted at FAX Number (630) 252-5045. It is anticipated that the solicitation may be down-loaded from Internet. Information and instructions may be found on the DOE Chicago Home Page, http://www.anl.gov/DOE.CH/division/acq/acq_home.htm. (222)

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