A--Department of Defense Foreign Comparative Test Program for High Power Density Fuel - FY 2003

NA The US Army CECOM RDE Center, Army Power Division, has received approval from the Department of Defense to initiate the Foreign Comparative Test Program for High Power Density Fuel in Fiscal Year 2003. The five candidate fuel cell power systems are the 2 k W fuel cell system manufactured by Intelligent Energy of the United Kingdom (qty: 5); the 25 Watt fuel cell power system manufactured by SmartFuel Cells, Bmbh of Germany (qty: 5); the 650 Watt PEM fuel cell power systems manufactured by NoVars, Gmbh of Ger many (qty: 5); the 1 kW fuel cell power systems Ballard Power Systems of Canada (qty: 5); and the 500 Watt fuel cell power system manufactured by Hydrogenics, Inc of Canada (qty: 5). The candidates are non-developmental (in production or fielded) fuel cel l power systems (not considering stack-only units) with the capability to produce 12 or 24 volt DC power from a variety of non-logistic fuels. Several categories of fuel cells are sought in both the 25 watt and greater than 500 watts sizes, as follows: hy drogen-based systems, hydrogen-based hybrid systems (with battery), methanol systems, and alternative fuel systems. Hydrogen-only systems must offer power/weight densities of 800 W/kg or greater. Hybrid systems must offer 10 W/kg or greater power density (this number includes fuel for 6 hours operation at rated load). All non-hydrogen fuels must be capable of refueling at an energy density greater than 700 W-hrs/kg. All systems must be aurally non-detectable at 100 meters. All systems should be rugged enough to support field use for battery charging and other troop support power requirements. All systems must be capable of operation in ambient temperatures ranging from 10C to 520C. The resulting contracts will also include options for test support inc luding spare parts supply, analysis of data, troubleshooting and operator training. The test support will include both laboratory and field tests, and will occur in the Mar 2003-Sep 2004 timeframe. The statutory authority for other than full and open com petition is 10 USC 2304 (c)(1), 'Only One Responsible Source and no Other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements'. Specifically, other than full and open competition is permitted for Foreign Comparative Testing under the application of Defe nse Acquisition Regulation (DFAR) 206.302-1(b) which states that the 'authority may be used for acquisitions of test articles and associated support services from a designated foreign source under the DoD Foreign Comparative Testing Program'. However, all responsible sources that can provide supporting data to demonstrate they can provide a non-developmental (in production or fielded) fuel cell power system with a capability which can successfully meet the above requirements may submit a quote to be consid ered by the agency. Technology suitable for testing by July 2003 will receive consideration. Responses should be no longer than ten (10) pages. The resultant contracts will be firm fixed price. Responses are to be received via email no later than close of business 23 January 2003. All requests for further information must be in writing or via email, telephone requests for additional information will not be honored. You may forward responses to the following e-mail address: contact@example.gov. Ack nowledgement of receipt will be issued. See Numbered Note 22.