All-Electric Oil-Free Generator-Set (Gen-Set) Turbomachinery Technology

In accordance with FAR 16.301-2(a)(1) and 16.301-2(a)(2), the Contracting Officer has determined that a cost reimbursement contract is suitable for this effort as it includes the research, development, production, or application of innovative new technologies and costs cannot be estimated with sufficient accuracy to use any type of fixed price contract type. As such, the uncertainties involved in contract performance do not permit costs to be estimated with sufficient accuracy to use any type of fixed price contract type. Since the conditions for a cost sharing cost-reimbursement type contract are present IAW FAR 16-303(a), a cost sharing (CS) type contract is specifically suitable for this effort since the services are for the performance of non-commercial research, development and experimentation. It is impracticable to secure services of this type without the use of a cost reimbursable type contract. The purpose of this acquisition is to conduct basic and applied research and non-system specific development of aero-thermal-elastic knowledge and design tools to advance electrified lightweight turbomachinery. Gas bearing design capability is at the forefront of enabling these types of machines. With GE's novel additive gas bearing technology, the design space for oil-free machinery applications has grown significantly when compared with the industry standard foil bearing. Although GE possesses bearing design tools, higher-fidelity models are needed to fully assess technical risk for future oil-free applications. In particular, accurate prediction of the thermal response and performance of the gas bearing rotor system is lacking in current design tools. Along with bearing design, focused efforts towards an optimized engine design are needed to identify system integration risks and technology gaps. Additionally, understanding the sizing and system demands for the electromagnetic design will be key in design integration and risk identification. Lastly, experimental testing is key for benchmarking design tools and engineering assumptions in the design process. The subject instant action is not feasible for a fixed-price arrangement based on the information in paragraph one (1), however there is potential for a fixed-price contract type for future follow-on production efforts. If the proposed concepts are proven through the execution of this effort, this could establish a cost baseline to support future procurements.