A--Liquid-Fueled Fuel Cell Systems - Request for Information

NA US Army Communications-Electronics Command, CECOM Acquisition Center Washington, ATTN: AMSL-AC-W, 2461 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22331-0700 is soliciting information on available liquid fueled fuel cell systems on behalf of the US Army Communicatio ns-Electronic Command (CECOM), RD&E Center, Command and Control Directorate, Army Power Division, Power Generation Branch at Fort Belvoir, VA. The CECOM Power Generation Branch is soliciting information from manufacturers of Liquid-Fueled Fuel Cell Systems capable of providing continuous power that can be added to the Army inventory of available power sources for 21st Century tactical battlefield applications. Systems must utilize a liquid feedstock fuel, not hydrogen bottles, and produce a full continuous power output in the range of 2-60 kilowatts (kW), 12-50 volts direct current (VDC), 120/240 volts alternating current (VAC) or 120/208 VAC at 50,60, 400 Hertz (Hz) or selectable 50, 60, 400 Hz switch. The Army is currently looking for information on both single phase and three phase systems with power factor from 0.5-1.0. The program specifically seeks fully integrated, non-proof of concept sy stems. Systems shall be comprised of a fuel cell, fuel delivery/storage, process control systems, power electronics, balance of plant (sensors, safety stops, etc.,) data collection, hardware/software and all other associated subsystems. There are several requirements for military operation. The system must be mobile and must operate as a stand-alone system that requires no additional equipment for startup, operation or shutdown. The Army is looking for systems that are able to operate i n all tactical military environments. All systems should meet or come close to meeting the following specifications: The system must be signature suppressed (i.e. Noise shall not exceed 65dBA at 7 meters, infrared signature shall be within 40°F of amb ient background temperatures). All systems should be rugged enough to support field use for battery charging and other troop support power requirements. Systems should comply with current military requirements for EMI per MIL-STD-461. Please address you r ability to operate in the following environments: -25°F to 120°F, rain, humidity, altitude (sea level to 4,000 ft), sand/dust, rail transport, cold storage at -65°F, salt spray, fungus, derate 3.5%/1000ft, max power rating at 110%; and all Elec tric Power Quality Requirements (per MIL-STD-1332B). There is no funding or plans to procure systems that meet with the above requirements at this time. This announcement is seeking White Papers, not exceeding ten pages in length, describing the contractors experience in design, development, fabrication and testing of liquid fueled fuel cell power systems, organizational capabilities and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) unit cost for potential future government procurements. The white paper shall also contain information regarding the availability of fuel cell systems for loan or lease. The Government will not reimburse vendors for any information received in this RFI. The data received in response to this request for information (RFI) will be used for information purposes only and does not, in any way, mandate or impose requirements. It is highly desirable for the Government to receive unlimited rights to the data prov ided, however, it is recognized that proprietary data may be included with the information provided. If this is the case, proprietary data must be clearly marked and clearly separated from the unrestricted information as an addendum. Proprietary informat ion will be protected. White papers should be submitted within 45 calendar days of issuance of this announcement. Responses must be submitted via electronic mail to Ms. Michelle N. Gaffney, Project Engineer at contact@example.gov. The subject line of the email message should be 'White Paper Response, Liquid-Fueled Fuel Cell Systems - Company 's Name'. All questions of a technical nature should be directed to Ms. Gaffney at the above email address. Questions of a contractual nature should be directed to Ms. Patricia Davis, Contracting Officer, at contact@example.gov. No telephonic inquir ies or requests will be honored.