U.S. Department Of Energy, Chicago Operations Office, 9800 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439

A -- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH EFFICIENCY GAS-TURBINE HYBRID POWER UNITS (GT-HPU) FOR HYBRID-ELECTRIC AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS SOL DE-FC02-97EE50455 DUE 092797 POC David E. Ramirez, Contract Specialist, 630-252-2133 or Gaile A. Higashi, Contracting Officer, 630-252-2383 WEB: CH Acquisition page, http://www.ch.doe.gov/division/acq/acq_home.html. E-MAIL: David Ramirez, Contract Specialist, 630-252-2133, david.ramirez@ch.doe.gov. The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) plans to issue a Program Research and Development Announcement (PRDA) for research and development of high efficiency ceramic gas-turbine hybrid power units (GT-HPU) for hybrid-electric automotive applications. The GT-HPUs are being developed in cooperation with United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) under the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles(PNGV) initiative. The GT-HPUs may be subsequently integrated into proof-of-concept vehicles in 2002 and then into prototype vehicles. It is expected that the gas turbine will make substantial use of ceramic components to operate at the elevated temperatures necessary to achieve high fuel efficiencies. The PRDA seeks innovative research and development in a two-phase effort: (1) development of high-volume, high-yield, cost-effective ceramic manufacturing technology for automotive gas turbine components, and (2) design, development, and fabrication of ceramic gas-turbine HPUs. Applicants must propose a ccombined program including both phases. It is anticipated that one team will be selected to pursue their proposed ceramic manufacturing technology and GT-HPU concept. The team should include a gas turbine engine manufacturer(s) and supplier(s) of ceramic components and heat exchangers; electric generators and power conditioners. The successful team must demonstrate the knowledge, experience and ability to develop the required ceramic manufacturing technology and to design and develop a high-efficiency ceramic GT-HPU. The applicant must demonstrate the commitment of available and applicable personnel and development and testing facilities sufficient to meet the DOE program schedule. In addition, further teaming among engine manufacturers and among ceramic suppliers is highly encouraged to take advantage of the best technologies offered by different engine and ceramic manufacturers. Phase I of the program shall focus on developing and demonstrating ceramic component manufacturing technology for key components, with specific goals of production rate, yield, and projected cost. Phase I shall include component design and concurrent engineering, manufacturing technology development, and testing and evaluation of ceramic components in test rigs and engines. Phase I shall also include preliminary design and concurrent engineering of a gas turbine engine capable of supporting the 80 mpg goal of the PNGV. The funding and duration of Phase I are expected to be approximately $17,000,000 (including cost share) and 21 months. A minimum industry cost share of at least 35% for Phase I is required, but a higher cost share is desirable. At the end of Phase I, DOE will decide whether continuation into Phase II is justified. If the ceramic manufacturing technology and rig or engine testing of Phase I are considered successful, DOE may elect to initiate Phase II. Phase II of the program shall focus on the design, fabrication, development, testing, and delivery of GT-HPUs for vehicle integration and evaluation by a USCAR-designated representative. The funding and duration of Phase II are expected to be approximately $40,000,000 (including cost share)and 30 months. A minimum industry cost share of at least 50% for Phase II is required, but a higher cost share is desirable. Applicants are expected to provide all necessary personnel, facilities, special test equipment, and materials to complete the proposed project. Applicants are encouraged to use existing facilities to the extent possible. A cooperative agreement with cost-sharing is anticipated with partial funding in fiscal year 1998. The award will be subject to the requirements of the Energy Policy Act which in general requires that the awardee be a United States-owned company or that the foreign country in which the parent company is located meets certain conditions of reciprocity in the treatment of investments, access to research and development programs, and protection of intellectual property. Awards under the program are subject to the availability of funds andthe solicitation does not obligate DOE to make any award(s). DOE intends to issue a draft of the PRDA, No. DE-FC02-97EE50455, on or about April 15, 1997. A Draft Solicitation Review Conference to solicit questions and suggestions for changes to the solicitation will be held with interested applicants and is tentatively scheduled for May 16, 1997. Those requesting copies of the draft solicitation will be notified of the exact time and date when they receive their copies. The final PRDA package will be issued on or about July 15, 1997. Interested and qualified organizations wishing a copy of the PRDA should submit their written request to: U.S. Department of Energy, Chicago Operations Office, Acquisition and Assistance Group, Building 201, 9800 S. Cass Ave, Argonne, Illinois, 60439, Attn.: David E. Ramirez, Contract Specialist. (Telephone 630-252-2133)***** (0070)

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