Naval Research Laboratory, Code 3220, 4555 Overlook Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20375-5326

A -- INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR COOLING SEMICONDUCTOR COMPUTER CHIPS TO CRYOGENIC TEMPERATURES SOL BAA 02-97 POC Jerry Riles, Contract Specialist, Code 3220.JR, (202) 767-2550, Kevin M. King, Contracting Officer, Code 3220.KK The Naval Research Laboratory is interested in receiving concept ("white") papers describing new, innovative and creative concepts for the packaging and cooling of one or more high performance semiconductor computer chips in a high performance computer or server to operating temperatures from about 233 K (minus 40 C) down to about 50 K (minus 223 C). It is envisaged that each of these chips could dissipate between 10 and 50 watts (20 watts nominal) and that the several chips could be on the same or different circuit boards. Design of the cold head should attempt to conform to the general "flat pack" geometry of the circuit boards, so that the certain components of the cooling apparatus may be located elsewhere in the system. The initial phase of the program, which should last for about twelve months and be at a level of effort of approximately two (2) person years, should demonstrate the cryogenic refrigeration system which would be capable of cooling between 2 and 12 chips, each dissipating a nominal 20 watts, and a laboratory demonstration of candidate packaging concept(s) for insulating the cooled chip over the range of operating temperatures. (Note that different packaging concepts can be proposed for various segments of the indicated temperature range of operation.) The second phase of the program should focus on a laboratory demonstration of the proposed concept for a distributed cooled computer system with nominally four fully functional state-of-the-art microprocessor chips. The level of effort and duration of the second phase shall be appropriate for the complexity of the proposed concept. The Government expects to award no more than two contracts, however, the Government reserves the right to pursue for award any, all, part, or none of the responses received. It is suggested that the concept (white) papers not exceed ten (10) pages in length including an outline of a Statement of Work (SOW) for the proposed research and an estimate of the level of funding required. Five hard copies of the concept("white") papers should reference the BAA number shown above and should be submitted in hard copy prior to Close of Business, Friday, 28 February 1997. Concept papers or formal proposals received after that date may still be considered for award, if funding permits. Offerors of those concept ("white") papers which are considered responsive to this BAA may be asked to submit formal proposals. Proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria: (i) degree to which new and creative solutions to technical issues important to NRL programs are proposed; (ii) feasibility and the Offeror's understanding of the proposed approach and technical objectives; (iii) the Offeror's ability to implement the proposed approach as demonstrated by specific accomplishments in the technical field to be studied, by availability of qualified personnel, and by appropriate facilities; (iv) the degree to which technical data and/or computer software developed under the proposed contract are to be delivered to NRL with unrestricted rights; and (v) the availability of funds, proposed costs and cost realism. Offerors are advised that only the NRL Contracting Officer is legally authorized to commit the US Government in any and all contractual matters. Responses to this BAA should be addressed to Dr. M. Nisenoff, Code 6850.1, Building 208, Room 328, 4555 Overlook Avenue SW, Washington DC 20375-5347. Technical questions may be addressed to Dr. M. Nisenoff at (202) 767-3099, (FAX: (202) 767-0455, E-mail: nisenoff@chrisco.nrl.navy.mil). Contractual questions should be sent by FAX to Jerry Riles, NRL Contracts Division, Code 3220.JR, (202) 767-5896 or 6197. This BAA will be open for one year after date of issue. (0024)

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