Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Code 230000D, 1 Administration Circle, China Lake, CA 93555-6100

A -- ALTERNATE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOL N68936-BAA-97-0004 POC Winnie Renta, Grants Officer, (760) 939-4272, or Erica Freeman, Grants Specialist, (760) 939-5427 The Energy Program Office (EPO) at the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, CA is seeking collaborative research proposals related to "alternate" energy storage systems for photovoltaic power systems. The term "alternate" refers to systems other than current technology batteries. Batteries have undesirable characteristics such as high maintenance, hazardous materials, dangerous handling characteristics, etc. Proposals that explore other types of energy storage systems that will eliminate or minimize these disadvantages are desirable. Although other technologies will be considered, the EPO has specific interest in flywheels, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells. No request for proposal (RFP), solicitation, or other announcement of this opportunity will be made. This announcement is open through 30 Sep 97, and proposals may be submitted at any time during this period. Proposals submitted after 30 Sep 97 will be returned to the offeror without evaluation. Awards may be made at any time. The Government anticipates award of cooperative agreements or other transactions for research under 10 USC 2358 or 10 USC 2371. Proposal submission is not restricted in any way to any particular entity. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, minority institutions and small and disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to participate. Prior to preparing a formal proposal, potential proposers should submit a 2 page abstract, summarizing their research ideas, to Sam Edwards, Code 83B000D, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, 1 Administration Circle, China Lake, CA 93555-6100. The abstract should state that it is submitted in response to this BAA. Proposers whose abstracts are of interest to the Government will be contacted by phone for further details, and may be invited, in writing, to submit a formal proposal. Award decisions will be based on peer and/or scientific review. Evaluations will be conducted using the following evaluation criteria: (1) overall scientific and technical merits of the proposal; (2) the potential relationship of the proposed research to the Department of Defense mission; (3) benefit to the public; (4) the offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives; (5) the qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed principal investigator, team leader, or key personnel who are critical in achieving the proposal objectives; (6) realism of the proposed cost and availability of funds. It is anticipated that one or more awards will result from this solicitation, not to exceed about $250,000 in total federal funding. The Government's contribution could also include labor, instrumentation, and/or test facilities. Proposals submitted in response to this BAA may be for a period of performance up to 1 year. Proposals for a period of less than 12 months will also be considered. Team efforts among academia, and/or industry, and/or Government participants, incorporating cost sharing, and proposals augmenting ongoing joint efforts are strongly encouraged. Final distribution of awards will depend on quality of proposals and availability of funds. Funds may not be currently available for topics under this BAA. No award will be made until funds are available from which payment can be made. (0183)

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