R&D Contracting Directorate, Bldg 7, 2530 C Street, WPAFB, OH 45433-7607

A -- AEROSPACE POWER SCHOLARLY RESEARCH PROGRAM SOL PRDA NO. 97-06-POK DUE 092397 POC Contact Dennis Strobel, Contract Negotiator, (937) 255-5310 or Kathy Walston, Contracting Officer, (937) 255-5310 A -- INTRODUCTION: Wright Laboratory Aerospace Power Division (WL/POO) is interested in receiving proposals (technical and cost) on the research effort described below. Proposals in response to the (PRDA) Program Research and Development Announcement shall be received by TBD, 1500 hours Eastern Time, to Wright Laboratory, Directorate of Research and Development Contracting, 2530 C Street, Building 7, Area B, Attn: Dennis Strobel, WL/POKA, (937) 255-5310, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7607. This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this solicitation. Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this announcement. Proposal receipt after the cutoff date and time specified herein shall be treated in accordance with restriction of FAR 52.215-10, a copy of which may be obtained from the contracting point of contact shown above. There will be no other solicitation issued in regard to this requirement. There is a supplemental package available for Offerors that contains sample format delivery orders and other offeror related information. Offerors may request a copy of the supplemental package by contacting Dennis Strobel at the telephone number identified above. Offerors shall be alert for any PRDA amendments that may be published in the Commerce Business Daily. This PRDA may be amended to allow subsequent submission of proposal dates. Offererors should request a copy of the WL Guide entitled, "PRDA and BAA Guide for Industry" dated Nov 92. This guide was specifically designed to assist offerors in understanding the PRDA/BAA proposal process. Copies may be requested from the contracting point of contact shown above. The Guide is also available on the internet, address: www. wl. wpufb. af. mil/contract B -- REQUIREMENTS: (1) Technical Description: The purpose of this effort is to address problems encountered in five major research areas: Semiconductor Sciences, AircraftMechanical/Thermal Technology, Advanced Power Systems, Electrical Technologyand Aircraft Batteries. These five major research areas are divided into subcategories as follows: (a) Semiconductor Sciences encompasses (1) Semiconductor ohmic and rectifying contact formation techniques; (2) Power semiconductor analysis and characterization; (3) Doping techniques for Silicon Carbide; (4) Silicon Carbide growth phenomena (3C,4H and 6H); (5) Lifetime/ Reliability predictions and measurement; (6) Research in Silicon Carbide, III-V and other high temperature semiconductors; (7) Radiation Effects on Semiconductors; (8) Uniform crystal doping and its effect on forward blocking voltage and current rise capabilities of large junction thyristors and other power devices; (9) Polarization phenomena and associated energy loss in solid dielectric materials; (10) Large organic molecule behavior in solids subjected to oscillating, large gradient electric fields; and (11) Basic physics issues associated with plasma processing and low temperature plasma diagnostics; (b) Aircraft Mechanical/Thermal Technology encompasses (1) Bubble nucleation measurement using infrared techniques; (2) Flow visualization of microlayer evaporation; (3) Instability of floating boiling films; (4) Jet velocity profile in submerged and free jet impingements; (5) investigation of microscale thermophysics/fluidics, and the effects of steady state and transient accelerations on such microscale devices; (6) the application of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies to aircraft power generation, distribution, and usage; (7) Investigation of techniques for the production of low specific weight DC to DC, DC to AC, AC to DC and AC to AC conversion systems; (8) Investigation of power generator-prime mover interface; (9) Investigation of permanent magnet performance under high temperature-short cyclic operation; (10) Investigation of high temperature winding and insulation for motor/generators; (11) Investigation of high temperature impregnated materials for motor generator windings; (12) Investigation of mechanical power loss in high speed electric machines; (13) Investigation of structural characteristics/behavior, including life predictions, of laminated rotor stacks for high speed machines; and (14) and investigation of fault tolerant advanced electro machines. (c) Advanced Power Systems encompasses (1) Measuring properties of superconductors; (2) Developing measurement techniques and standards of measurement for those properties; (3) Evaluating effects of process variables for making superconductors; (4) Investigate effects of stress and strain in bends of superconducting materials; (5) Development of loss measurement techniques and correlation with theory including microscopic flux pinning effects and large transient heat transfer in helium; (6) Investigation of high temperature superconductors, hyperconductors and kapitza boundary heat transfer effects; (7) Evaluate and develop processes for making highly textured superconductors on metallic substrates; (8) Investigate effects of processing superconductors on metallic and non-metallic substrates; (9) Evaluate the properties and effects of candidate diffusion barriers for superconducting conductor fabrication incorporating metallic sheaths or substrates; (10) Perform analyses and investigate methods of providing quench protection to superconducting conductors or superconducting coils in a conformal or discrete method; (11) Investigation of dielectric insulation design for advanced aircraft high voltage and high power systems; (12) Development of electromagnetic effects solutions, including the assessment of the survivability/ vulnerability of More Electric-type aircraft circuits, to both manmade and natural electromagnetic threats; (13) Advanced diagnostics for transient voltage and current measurements including: fast high voltage pulses, high current, non-repetitive pulses and low level partial discharge detection; and (14) Investigation of solid and gaseous dielectrics involving charge transport phenomena, breakdown characteristics and degradation issues; (d) Electrical Technologyencompasses (1) Power system stability; (2) Power system stability with large transient loads and overloads; (3) The effects of line reactance on transient stability of DC regulators; (4) Distribution of power system components for maximum system efficiency; (5) Distribution techniques; (6) Shielding of low level circuitry; (7) Control circuit topology for optimum power system control; (8) Development of algorithms for stable control of high power non-equilibrium power systems; (9) Digital control of power inverters; (10) Digital alternator and regulator control; (11) Electrically driven motor drive/control topologies employing advanced power electronics for use in applications such as electric actuation and fuel pumping as a part of the More Electric Aircraft Initiative; (12) Switched Reluctance Machine (SRM) design efforts for fault-tolerant, high efficiency operation; (13) DC to DC, AC to DC, AC to AC, and DC to AC power conversion topologies with the goal of low specific weight; (14) Inverter and converter design activities including hardware simulation as a means of determining direct current (DC) transient stabilities; and (15) High voltage (270VDC) testing capabilities; (e) Aircraft Batteries encompasses (1) Synthesis of new lithium ion conducting polymer electrolytes that have high conduction at low temperatures, high lithium ion transport numbers and good electrode/electrolyte interfacial stability; (2) Synthesis and characterization of new cathode materials, new electrolytes and new anode materials for high or moderate temperature batteries; (3) Three dimensional modeling of battery systems electrode/electrolyte processes through computational chemistry; and (4) Fuel cell exploration for mobile power. (2) Deliverable Items: The following deliverable items shall be required, where applicable: (a) Scientific and Technical Reports, DI-MISC-80711/T, (Draft and Reproducible Final); (b) Scientific and Technical Reports, DI-MISC-80711/T, (Contractor's Billing Voucher), quarterly; (c) Contract Funds Status Report, (CFSR), DI-MGMT-81468/T, quarterly; (d) Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report, DI-FNCL-.80331/T, monthly; (e) Project Planning Chart, DI-MGMT-80507A/T, monthly; (f) Status Report, DI-MGMT-80368/T, quarterly; (g) Still Photo Coverage, DI-MISC-80169, (h) Presentation Material, DI-ADMIN-81373/T, (i) System Safety Hazard Report, DI-SAFT-80101A/T, (j) Computer Software Product End Items, DI-MCCR-80700/T, (k) Conceptual Design Drawings and Associated Lists, DI-DRPR-81001/T, (l) Developmental Design Drawings and Associated Lists, DI-DRPR-81002/T, (m) Scientific and Technical Reports, DI-MISC-80711/T, (Technical Literature Search Review), (n) Scientific and Technical Reports, DI-MISC-80711/T, (Feasibility Studies), (o) Scientific and Technical Reports, DI-MISC-80711/T, (Interim Report), (p) Test Plan, DI-NDTI-80566/T, and hardware and software. (3) Security Requirements: No classified information is anticipated. (4) Other Special Requirements: International Traffic in Arms Regulations shall apply. C ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (1) Anticipated Period of Performance: The total contract performance should be completed within 60 months of contract award. The technical effort is expected to take up to 58 months, with an additional 2 months for final processing of reports. (2) Expected Award Date: December 1997. (3) Government Estimate: The Government funding over the entire length of the contract is estimated to be as follows for each major research area: Semiconductor Sciences: $4.8M, Aircraft Mechanical/Thermal Technology: $2.6M, Advanced Power Systems: $5.6M, Electrical Technology: $1.1M and Aircraft Batteries: $0.4M. The average yearly expenditure for all areas should total $2,900,000 per year. This funding estimate is not a promise for funding as all funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. The Government may choose to make multiple awards for each major research area up to that ceiling amount. The Government reserves the right to change the ceiling amount for the major research areas as determined necessary to better meet Government needs. (4) Based upon market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in its solicitation for described supplies or services. However, interested persons may identify to the contracting officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement(s) with a commerical item within 15 days of this notice. (5) Type of Contract: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) with resulting Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Completion Delivery Orders, and/or Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract awards are anticipated. (6) Base Support: Base Support and/or Government Furnished Property shall be addressed on an order by order basis. (7) Size Status: For the purpose of this acquisition, the size standard is 500 employees (SIC 8731). (8) Notice to Foreign-Owned Firms: Such firms are asked to immediately notify the contracting point of contact upon deciding to respond to this announcement. Foreign contractors should be aware that restrictions may apply which could preclude their participation in this acquisition. (9) All offerors should request, via fax or in writing, a supplemental package which includes: a) Instructions to Offerors on preparing Cost Proposals, b) Sample Cost Summary Spreadsheet Format and c) Sample Format Delivery Order. The request should be addressed to Wright Laboratory, Directorate of Research and Development Contracting, 2530 C Street, Building 7, Area B, Attn: Dennis Strobel WL/POKA, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7607; (937) 255-5310, fax (937) 255-4434. D -- PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: (1) General Instructions: Offerors may bid on one or more than one of the five major research areas. To be considered for an award in a major research area, the offerors may draft and submit at least one (but no more than three) delivery order proposal (both cost and technical) associated with a subcategory in that major research area(s) from which they have chosento technically bid. In constructing the delivery order itself, the offeror shall use the sample delivery order format contained in the supplemental package. To encourage maximum flexibility/versatility, the offeror {in lieu of submitting a delivery order(s)} may propose a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract, addressing one or more of the aforementioned subcategories. Offerors should apply the restrictive notice prescribed in the provision at FAR 52.215-12, Restriction of Disclosure and Use of Data, to trade secrets or priviledged commericial and financial information contained in their proposals. Proposal questions should be directed to one of the points of contact listed elsewhere herein. Offerors should consider instructions contained in the WL PRDA and BAA Guide for Industry referenced in Section A of this announcement. Technical and cost proposals, submitted in separate volumes, are required and must be valid for 180 days. Proposals must reference the above PRDA number. Proposals shall besubmitted in an original and six copies. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered against the criteria set forth herein. Offerors are advised that only contracting officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or 0therwise commit the Government. Cost Proposal: The cost proposal /price breakdown shall be supplied on a Standard Form (SF) 1448, together with supporting schedules and shall contain a person-hour breakdown by fiscal year for each proposed delivery order or CPFF contract. The offeror shall not provide a cost proposal on the overall program {i.e., the entire major research area(s)}; offerors shall only provide a cost proposal for each delivery order they have chosen to bid on and segregate the costs for each proposed delivery order so they can be evaluated separately (The Government retains the right to unilaterally set the dollar ceilings on ID/IQ type contracts). If the Offeror chooses to propose a CPFF type contract, the cost proposal should accordingly address all subcategories included in the corresponding technical proposal. Because Adequate Price Competition is anticipated, instructions regarding submission of certified cost and pricing data in the WL PRDA and BAA Guide to Industry (referenced in Section A) are not applicable. (3) Technical Proposal: The technical proposal for each major research area bid on shall include a discussion of the nature and scope of anticipated work and the technical approach. Additional information addressing experience and qualifications in the major research area(s) bid on, descriptions of available equipment, data and facilities, and resumes of personnel who will be participating in this effort should also be included in the technical proposal. Both the major research area's and the delivery order's technical proposals shall include a Statement of Work (SOW). The delivery order(s) SOW shall detail the technical effort proposed to be accomplished under the cognizant subcategory(ies) and be suitable for contract incorporation. Offerors are to separate their proposal technical proposal(s) by: a.) major research areas and b.) delivery order(s) for the cognizant subcategory(ies). PL 98-94 may apply. Any questions concerning the technical proposal or SOW preparation shall be referred to the Technical Point of Contact cited in this announcement. (4) Page Limitations: If proposing an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity type contract, the technical proposal shall be limited to 30 pages for each major research area bid on, with an additional 10 pages for each proposed delivery order; 40 pages shall be the technical proposal page limit for a CPFF Completion type contract. The pages shall be 8.5 X 11 inches, double-spaced (12 pitch or larger), and single-sided. The 12 pitch or larger shall be satisfied by setting the type (point) size at 10 or smaller or setting the font size at 10 or higher. The page limitation includes all information, i.e. indexes, photographs, foldouts, appendices, attachments, etc. The transmittal page and cover page are not included in the page count. Pages in excess of this limitation will not be considered by the government. As a goal, offerors are requested to keep cost proposals to 20 pages per each proposed delivery order, and 50 pages per each proposed CPFF completion type contract. Preparation Cost: If selected for negotiations, qualifying offerors may be required to submit a subcontracting plan. This announcement does not commit the Government to pay for any response preparation cost. The cost of preparing proposals in response to this PRDA is not considered an allowable direct charge to any resulting or any other contract. However, it may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost as specified in FAR 31.205-18. A supplemental package is available to offerors interested in proposing on this effort. E -- BASIS FOR AWARD: The selection of one or more sources for award will be based on an evaluation of an offeror's response (both technical and cost aspect) to determine the overall merit of the proposal in response to the announcement. The technical aspect, which is ranked as the first order of priority, shall be evaluated based on the following criteria which are of equal importance: (1) new and creative solutions; (2) the offeror's understanding of the scope of the technical effort; (3) soundness of offeror' s technical approach; and (4) the availability of qualified technical personnel and their experience with applicable technologies. Cost and/or price, which includes consideration of proposed budgets and funding profiles, is a substantial factor, but ranked as the second order of priority. No other evaluation criteria will be used. The technical and cost information will be evaluated at the same time. The Air Force reserves the right to select for award of a contract, grant or cooperative agreement any, all, part or none of the proposals received. Award of a grant to universities or nonprofit institutions or cooperative agreement, in lieu of a contract, will be considered and will be subject to the mutual agreement of the parties. F -- - POINTS OF CONTACT: (1) Technical Contact Point: Mike Morgan, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433-7251, 937-255-5403, Fax 937-255-1759, E-mail morganmj@wl.wpafb.af.mil. (2) Direct all requests for solicitations and routine communication concerning this acquisition to Dennis Strobel, Contract Negotiator, WL/POKA, Bldg 7, 2530 C Street, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7607, telephone 937-255-5310. (3) An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concern from offerors and potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the Contracting Officer, but to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. All potential offerors should use established channels to voice concerns before resorting to use of the Ombudsman. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the selection decision. Interested parties should direct all routine communication concerning this acquisition to Dennis Strobel, Contract Negotiator, WL/POKA, Bldg 7, 2530 C Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7607, telephone 937-255-5310/4462, fax no. 937-255-4434. If offerors have further questions related to technical requirements, please contact the Contract Negotiator. The Ombudsman should only be cont (0219)

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