SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- DIRECT THERMAL TO ELECTRIC CONVERSION (DTEC),
- Notice Date
- 1/9/2003
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- Other Defense Agencies, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Contracts Management Office, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA, 22203-1714
- ZIP Code
- 22203-1714
- Solicitation Number
- BAA03-04
- Archive Date
- 4/5/2003
- Point of Contact
- Valerie Browning, DARPA Program Manager, Phone 703-696-2314, Fax 703-696-3999,
- E-Mail Address
-
none
- Description
- DIRECT THERMAL TO ELECTRIC CONVERSION (DTEC), SOL: BAA03-04, DUE 4 APRIL 2003, POC: Dr. Valerie M. Browning, DARPA/DSO, FAX: (571) 218-4553, WEB: http://www.darpa.mil/baa/, E-MAIL: baa03-04@darpa.mil. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES, SCOPE AND FUNDING. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals for the development and demonstration of novel, high-efficiency Direct Thermal to Electric Conversion (DTEC) technologies. Recent advances in thermal to electric conversion technologies such as thermoelectrics and thermophotovoltaics have demonstrated the potential for achieving high-efficiency, solid-state electric generators that could convert thermal energy to electricity for future electric and hybrid electric military platforms. The efficiency by which heat can be converted to electricity is, of course, limited by the theoretical maximum efficiency of the Carnot cycle. Although the Carnot efficiencies drop as the temperature differences between hot and cold side decreases, the theoretical maximum conversion efficiencies can range from a low of ~ 40 percent to a high of ~ 77 percent using thermal sources consistent with those found on various military platforms where available hot side temperatures can range from ~ 300 deg C to 1000 deg C. Unfortunately, state-of-the-art DTEC technologies fall far short of Carnot conversion efficiencies and, in many cases, do not exhibit sufficient power densities to meet mission requirements for many commercial and Defense applications. Therefore, it is the intent of this BAA to solicit proposals that address revolutionary advancements to the state-of-the-art in DTEC technologies that would significantly reduce the gap between achievable conversion efficiencies and Carnot efficiencies. There are currently a number of existing technologies that have already been demonstrated for converting thermal energy to electricity. Some of the most common are thermoelectrics (TE), thermionics (TI), alkali metal thermal to electric (AMTEC) and thermophotovoltaics (TPV). Recent advances in these technologies have resulted in demonstrated conversion efficiencies ranging from a few percent to ~ 20%. Unfortunately, the higher efficiencies are typically only achievable at temperatures significantly greater than 1000 deg C and/or are often associated with low power densities (< 1 W/cm^2). The goal of this DARPA BAA is to explore the possibility of achieving > 20% thermal to electric conversion efficiencies at power densities that exceed 2 W/cm^2 at hot side operating temperatures < 1000 deg C. Proposals that address revolutionary advances to existing DTEC technologies are acceptable as are proposals that address novel DTEC technologies for which no proof of principle has been demonstrated. Examples of the latter include, but are not limited to, close spaced thermionics, thermo-tunneling, and thermo-magnetics. Irrespective of the DTEC technology, prospective offerors are requested to submit a technology development and demonstration plan that targets a 3 year program deliverable of a > 1 kW converter. Target efficiencies for the converter are > 20 %, with power density > 2 W/cm^2 and hot side temperature < 1000 deg C, with greater merit perceived for lower temperatures as thermal management and material robustness issues are less severe at lower temperatures. Targets for gravimetric or volumetric power densities are to be specified by proposers, since these can vary widely depending on the platform and manner in which they are deployed. However it is anticipated that values for gravimetric and/or volumetric power densities will meet or exceed that which is achievable via existing similarly deployed power generation technologies such as gas or steam powered turbine engines. The first 18 months of any effort funded under this BAA, Phase I, are expected to provide a ?proof of concept? for a novel, high-efficiency thermal to electric conversion technology consistent with the performance goals specified in this BAA and the accompanying Proposer Information Pamphlet (PIP). Proposers are expected to provide quantitative milestone objectives and performance metrics for this initial Phase I effort. The results of Phase I will serve as go/no-go decision points for determining the value of continuing the effort for the remaining 18 months, Phase II. Milestones are also to be proposed for the Phase II effort, but may be revised depending on the results of the initial ?proof of concept? phase. Further details on milestone requirements and go/no-go decision points can be found in the PIP. GENERAL INFORMATION. Proposers must obtain the pamphlet entitled ?BAA 03-04 DTEC Proposer Information Pamphlet (PIP),? which provides detailed information on program objectives, areas of interest, the submission, evaluation, and funding processes, proposal formats, and other program information. This pamphlet may be requested from the World Wide Web (WWW), fax, electronic mail (e-mail), or mail requests through the administrative contact information given below. This announcement and the PIP may be retrieved via the WWW at URL: http://www.darpa.mil/baa. Proposals not meeting the format described in the pamphlet may not be reviewed. All administrative correspondence and questions on this solicitation should be directed to DARPA/DSO, BAA03-04 fax: (571) 218-4553, electronic mail (e-mail): BAA03-04@darpa.mil or mail: DARPA/DSO, ATTN: BAA03-04, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714 (e-mail or fax is preferred). DARPA intends to use electronic mail and fax for correspondence regarding BAA03-04. Proposals submitted by fax or e-mail will be disregarded. DARPA encourages the use of the WWW for retrieving the PIP and any other related information that may subsequently be provided. Proposals identified for funding may result in a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other transaction, depending upon the nature of the work proposed, the required degree of interaction between parties, and other factors. If warranted, portions of resulting awards may be segregated into pre-priced options. FULL PROPOSALS. Full proposals shall consist of two volumes, technical and cost. Proposers must submit one (1) original and nine (9) copies of the full proposal to DARPA/DSO, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714 (ATTN: BAA03-04 on or before 1600 ET 4 APR 2003. Proposals must meet the objective and format guidelines as described in the PIP to be considered. The original proposal submission should include a cover sheet with original signatures and indicating if it is the Technical or Cost Volume. The format of the cover sheet is up to the proposers but must contain the following information: (1) BAA number; (2) Technical area; (3) Lead Organization Submitting proposal; (4) Type of business, selected among the following categories: "LARGE BUSINESS," "SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS," "OTHER SMALL BUSINESS," "HBCU," "MI," "OTHER EDUCATIONAL,? or "OTHER NONPROFIT," (5) Contractor?s reference number (if any); (6) Other team members (if applicable) and type of business for each; (7) Proposal title; (8) Technical point of contact to include: salutation, last name, first name, street address, city, state, zip code, telephone, fax (if available), electronic mail (if available); (9) Administrative point of contact to include: salutation, last name, first name, street address, city, state, zip code, telephone, fax (if available), and electronic mail (if available); (10) Award instrument requested: cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF); cost-contract--no fee; cost sharing contract--no fee; or other type of procurement contract (specify), grant, cooperative agreement, or other transaction; (11) Place(s) and period(s) of performance; (12) Total proposed cost separated by basic award and option(s) (if any); (13) Name, address, and telephone number of the offeror?s cognizant Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) administration office (if known); (14) Name, address, and telephone number of the offeror?s cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audit office (if known); (15) Date proposal was prepared; and (16) DUNS, TIN, CAGE CODE. Copies of proposal submissions may contain duplicates of the original cover sheet. Please include e-mail addresses on cover page. Facsimile proposals will not be accepted and institutional brochures, reprints, and videotapes will be ignored. All proprietary material should be clearly marked and will be held in strict confidence. Early submission of proposals is encouraged. Selections can be made at any time during the process. Within approximately ten (10) business days of receipt, DARPA will acknowledge receipt of the submission and assign a control number that should be used in all further correspondence regarding the proposal. Volume I Technical Proposal. The technical proposal is limited to fifty (50) pages, including the cover sheet, all figures, references, tables, charts, and appendices. The full proposal will be evaluated according to the criteria described in this BAA and in Section 1.3 of the PIP. The proposed effort should be in two phases that are scheduled in accordance with the guidance provided in the PIP. Proposers should make sure that it contains the following: 1) Cover sheet with required information (see above); 2) Executive Summary (two pages or less); 3) technical approach including discussions of all technical issues discussed in Section 1.2 of the PIP; 4) time-phased milestone chart; 5) a table showing a page cross reference between the Selection Criteria listed below (and in the PIP) and the technical discussion; 6) organizational structure of the team (and all subcontractors) and management approach; 7) summary of relevant prior work; 8) brief description of applicable facilities and equipment; and 9) short resumes of key individuals. See the accompanying PIP for additional information on the required format and contents of the Technical Proposal. Volume II Cost Proposal. The cost volume shall contain the following: 1) Cover sheet with required information (see above); 2) Detailed cost breakdown to include: (a) total program cost broken down by major cost items (direct labor, subcontracts, materials, travel, other direct costs, overhead charges, etc.) and (b) an itemization of major subcontracts (labor, travel, materials and other direct costs) and equipment purchases. Where the effort consists of multiple portions that could reasonably be partitioned for purposes of funding, these should be identified as options with separate cost estimates for each; and 3) Supporting cost and pricing information in sufficient detail to substantiate the summary cost estimates in 2) above. Include a description of the method used to estimate costs and supporting documentation. Note: ?cost or pricing data? as defined in FAR Subpart 2.101 shall be required if the offeror?s proposal is for a procurement contract award of $550,000 or greater unless the offeror requests an exception from the requirement to submit cost or pricing data. ?Cost or pricing data? are not required if the offeror proposes an award instrument other than a procurement contract (e.g., a grant, cooperative agreement, or other transaction). The requirements for submission of ?cost or pricing data? are specified in FAR Subpart 15.403-4 (see http://www.arnet.gov/far). OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION. Teaming and Team Compositions. Teaming is encouraged, especially when interdisciplinary approaches to a problem are required. While there are no restrictions on the minimum or maximum size of these teams, proposers must justify the need to include team members based on their expertise, facilities, and overall contribution to the proposed effort. To assist the teaming process an interactive web site has been established at URL: http://www.sainc.com/darpa/dtec. Individual researchers and organizations with specific, relevant expertise and/or capabilities may provide non-proprietary descriptions of their capabilities and interests. The web site will remain active from the date of issuance of this BAA until proposals are due. Proposals may include foreign firms and/or personnel provided all export control laws are adhered to in the conduct of the effort and that the work relating to the foreign firm or personnel is unclassified. The onus of understanding and complying with export control rests with the proposer, not the Government. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit proposals and to join others in submitting proposals. Awards made under this BAA are subject to the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 9.5, Organizational Conflicts of Interest. Consequently, all offerors and proposed subcontractors must, therefore, affirm whether they are providing scientific, engineering and technical assistance (SETA), or similar support, to any DARPA technical office(s) through an active contract or subcontract. All affirmations must state which office(s) the offeror supports, and identify the prime contract numbers. Affirmations should be furnished at the time of proposal submission. All facts relevant to the existence or potential existence of organizational conflicts of interest, as that term is defined at FAR 9.501, must be disclosed. The disclosure shall include a description of the action the offeror has taken or proposes to take to avoid, neutralize or mitigate such conflict. Proprietary Information. All proprietary information should be marked on the full proposal. It is the policy of DARPA to treat all proposals as competitive information and to disclose their contents only for the purpose of evaluation. Standard proprietary disclaimers notwithstanding, proposals may be reviewed by non-Government technical experts who have signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with DARPA, unless the specific phrase ?TO BE REVIEWED BY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ONLY? appears on the cover sheet. In any case, personnel under exclusive contract with DARPA who have completed the appropriate nondisclosure agreements will handle the proposals for administrative purposes. Security. Proposals may contain classified information or data (up to the level of Top Secret/SCI). Offerors that intend to include classified information or data in their proposals above DoD SECRET should contact DARPA security at the address identified in this BAA (or alternatively, the point-of-contact for this BAA) for guidance and direction in advance of proposal preparation. Offerors must have existing approved capabilities (personnel and facilities) to perform research and development at the classification level they propose. EVALUATION CRITERIA. The following evaluation criteria are listed in order of decreasing importance. Proposals that are considered less than satisfactory in Scientific and Technical Merit will not be evaluated further. Further details on evaluation criteria may be found in the DTEC PIP. Scientific and Technical Merit. Proposers must demonstrate that they understand the goals of the DTEC program as well as state-of-the-art for existing DTEC technologies. They must demonstrate that their proposal is innovative and unique and that their proposed technical approach is sound. They must provide a balanced program plan that identifies and mitigates the technical risks involved in their proposed approach. All milestones must be clearly and quantitatively described. Value to Defense. Proposers must demonstrate the potential of their proposed DTEC technology to radically change military power generation capabilities or improve national security with a clear statement of the goals of their program and a quantitative comparison with existing technology. Capability of the Personnel and Facilities to Perform the Proposed Effort. Proposers must demonstrate that their team has the necessary background and experience to perform this project. The balance of the technical capabilities of the team must match that required in the program plan. The relevant experience of key personnel must be sufficient to provide confidence that the proposers can accomplish their objectives. Proposers must demonstrate that the combined facilities of the team are sufficient to accomplish the objectives of the proposal. Proposers must demonstrate a balanced management plan that demonstrates that team members will be working together towards a common goal. Cost Realism. Costs of the proposal must be reasonable and provide a high value to the Government. ADMINISTRATION. Address for Submission of Full Proposals (except classified proposals). DARPA/DSO, ATTN: BAA03-04, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714. Guidance for Classified Information and Data. Proposers should contact Nancy Kassner, Director, Security & Intelligence Directorate (703-696-2385) for information on security or for instructions for the submission of a classified proposal. All Other Correspondence: Fax: (571) 218-4553 (Addressed to: DARPA/DSO, BAA03-04), Electronic Mail: baa03-04@darpa.mil. This announcement may be retrieved via the WWW at URL: http://www.darpa.mil/baa. BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT. This notice, in conjunction with the BAA03-04 PIP, constitutes the total BAA. No additional information is available, nor will a formal RFP or other solicitation regarding this announcement be issued. Requests for the same will be disregarded.
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- SN00236504-W 20030111/030109213714 (fbodaily.com)
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