A -- THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELLS (PEMFC)

Notice Date

January 24, 2001

Contracting Office

NASA/Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135

ZIP Code

44135

Response Due

February 23, 2001

Point of Contact

Mark A. Hoberecht, Technical Manager, Phone (216) 433-5362, Fax (216) 433-8000, Email mark.a.hoberecht@grc.nasa.gov -- Ernest C. Mensurati, Contracting Officer, Phone (216) 433-2727, Fax (216) 433-2480, Email Ernest.C.Mensurati@grc.nasa.gov

E-Mail Address

Mark A. Hoberecht (mark.a.hoberecht@grc.nasa.gov)

Description

NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is hereby soliciting information for potential sources for the development of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)power plant technology as a source of primary power for future 2nd generation Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs). NASA is contemplating a 4-year, two-phased approach. The goal of Phase I would be to advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of PEMFC power plant technology from TRL-4 (critical function/characteristics demonstrated) to TRL-5 (breadboard tested in relevant environment). Phase II's objective would be to further advance the technology to TRL-6 (engineering model tested in relevant environment). NASA envisions an upper funding limit of $1M for Phase I and $3M for Phase II. Each phase would culminate in the fabrication and test of appropriate system hardware. For both phases, testing of the system shall include vendor testing followed by independent NASA testing. Four months of NASA testing is envisioned for Phase I; seven months for Phase II. NASA's goal is PEMFC power plant development for use in a space environment on future 2nd generation RLVs. The envisioned fuel cell power plant will provide 15 kW of nominal power and consist of several fuel cell stacks integrated with various ancillary components for reactant supply, water management, thermal management, electronic control, and health monitoring. PEMFC stack development has been the focus of previously funded NASA efforts. Ancillary component development combined with power plant hardware integration would be the thrust of future programs. Respondents to this Sources Sought Synopsis are anticipated to be fuel cell stack vendors as well as experienced space hardware integrators (possibly teamed with stack vendors). Responses shall not exceed ten pages in length and shall be submitted electronically via e-mail attachment in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Responses are due by February 23, 2001 and shall include the following: 1. Appropriate time allocation for each phase (assume a limit of 48 months total). 2. The fidelity of hardware and integration that can be accomplished in each phase based on the TRL goals. 3. Capability statement including demonstration of ability and qualifications (market/application of existing PEMFC stacks and/or ancillary components). No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released it will be synopsized in the CBD and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service. It is the potential offerors responsibility to monitor these cites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. Interested offerors/vendors having the required specialized capabilities to meet the above requirement should submit a capability statement indicating the ability to perform all aspects of the effort described herein. Please advise if the requirement is considered to be a commercial or commercial-type product. A commercial item is defined in Internet "Note A". [INTERNET ONLY (commercial product definition)] This synopsis is for information and planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. Respondents deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resultant solicitation for the requirement. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business or 8(a) set-aside based on responses hereto. All responses shall be submitted to Mark A. Hoberecht no later than February 23, 2001. Any referenced notes can be viewed at the following URL: http://genesis.gsfc.nasa.gov/nasanote.html

Web Link

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Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010126/ASOL007.HTM (D-024 SN50B7M7)