[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 194 (Friday, October 4, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51927-51929]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-25500]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Notice of Program Interest--Research and Development to Develop
Advanced Materials for Low Emissions, High Efficiency Diesel Engine
Components
AGENCY: Oak Ridge Operations Office, DOE.
ACTION: Notice of Program Interest--Research and Development to Develop
Advanced Materials for Low Emissions,
[[Page 51928]]
High Efficiency Diesel Engine Components.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice announces the Department of Energy's interest in
receiving unsolicited applications for a cooperative agreement for
research and development on advanced materials as enabling technology
for the design and development of components for low emissions, high
efficiency diesel engines. The Office of Transportation Technologies,
Office of Heavy Vehicle Technologies (OTT OHVT) has an active program
to develop by 2001 the technology for advanced LE-55 diesel engines
with 55 percent efficiency and low emissions levels of 2.0g/bhp-hr
NOX and 0.05 g/bhp-hr particulates. The goal of this program is to
develop advanced material applications in diesel engine components to
enable the design of cleaner, more efficient engines. The goal is also
for the LE-55 engine to run on natural gas with efficiency approaching
that of diesel fuel. OTT OHVT also recognizes a significant opportunity
for reduction in petroleum consumption by dieselization of pickup
trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles. Application of the diesel
engine to class 1, 2, and 3 trucks is expected to yield a 35% increase
in fuel economy per vehicle. The foremost barrier to diesel use in this
market is emission control. Once an engine is made certifiable,
subsequent challenges will be in cost; noise, vibration, and harshness
(NVH); and performance. The design of advanced components for high
efficiency diesel engines has, in some cases, pushed the performance
envelope for materials of construction past the point of reliable
operation. Higher mechanical and tribological stresses and higher
temperatures of advanced designs limit the engine designer; advanced
materials allow the design of components that may operate reliably at
higher stresses and temperatures, thus enabling more efficient engine
designs. Advanced materials also offer the opportunity to improve the
emissions, NVH and performance of diesel engines for pickup trucks,
vans, and sport utility vehicles.
DATES: This notice expires at 4:00 p.m. EDT on October 14, 1996, and
applications may be submitted at any time prior to the expiration date.
ADDRESSES: Submit five (5) copies of the application prior to the
expiration date of this notice to: U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge
Operations Office, Procurement and Contracts Division, Environmental
Acquisitions Branch, P.O. Box 2001, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-8758, Attn:
Karen Stanford Shears, Contract Specialist, telephone (423) 241-6411.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Rawlins, DOE Oak Ridge Operations
Office, telephone: 423-576-4507; or Robert Schulz, DOE Headquarters,
telephone 202-586-8051.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Controlling the increasing consumption of
petroleum is an important national concern. The U.S. heavy duty
transport sector consumes more than 27 percent of U.S. transportation
energy and is heavily dependent on petroleum-based fuels, primarily No.
2 diesel fuel. Heavy duty transport is second only to automobiles in
use of petroleum. Energy use by heavy duty transport modes has
increased steadily since the early 1970s, despite significant gains in
diesel engine efficiency. Diesel engines are highly efficient and, when
operating on diesel fuel, have low CO2, CO and hydrocarbon
emissions. However, diesel engines are major emitters of oxides of
nitrogen (NOX) and particulate matter. Overall, the heavy duty
transport sector is responsible for a substantial share of U.S.
transportation emissions--54 percent of NOX and 47 percent of
particulate matter.
The light truck market segment, classes 1-3, has grown from 23% of
the domestic light duty vehicle sales in 1984 to over 42% in 1995
representing a substantial influx of low fuel economy vehicles into the
public and private fleets. This trend could increase the U.S.
dependence on foreign petroleum even beyond the current projections.
Application of diesel engines to light trucks could result in fuel
savings per vehicle of 35% or more if modern, high-efficiency diesel
technology is utilized. Diesels with efficiencies of 39-42% would
replace gasoline engines that achieve less than 30% efficiency over
much of their operating range.
Several substantial technical barriers must be resolved before
diesels can or will be used extensively in this class of vehicle,
including emissions, NVH, and cost. Advanced materials may offer a
solution to these barriers. The goal of this program is to develop
advanced material applications in diesel engine components to enable
the design of cleaner, more efficient engines. Advanced materials may
include ceramics, intermetallic alloys, advanced metal alloys, or
ceramic or metal coatings. Components may include in-cylinder
components, valve-train components, fuel system components, exhaust
system components, and air handling systems.
The proposed research should address the following areas: (1)
Component design, (2) selection of candidate materials, (3) material
down selection, development, and optimization, (4) prototype component
fabrication, and (5) rig or engine testing of components.
Applications must contain the following information: (1)
Description of the proposed research, including roles of suppliers,
consultants, and subcontractors, (2) a critical review of existing and
emerging technologies on a world-wide basis that may compete with the
proposed technology. The review should conclude that the proposed
research is timely, does not duplicate work being pursued elsewhere,
and is more competitive than existing or emerging technology; (3)
technical and economic evaluations for industrial implementation
indicating the potential for improved energy efficiency, reduction of
engine emissions and alternative fuels utilization. The economic
evaluation should also contain evidence and a schedule showing that the
proposed technology has potential for commercialization; (4) an
estimate of the potential energy saving attributable to the
commercialization of the proposed technology; (5) a Statement of Work
and Management Plan including a project schedule, work breakdown
structure, budget plan, milestones, and decision points; (6) applicants
or other participant cost-sharing commitments, which should be no less
than 50 percent, and a description of the form of cost sharing (e.g.,
cash, in-kind); (7) applicants proposed structure for vertical or
horizontal teaming/collaborating with co-participants or suppliers (a
list of prospective suppliers should be provided); (8) an estimate of
the total research and development cost required to reach the stage of
technology development at which government funding will no longer be
required; (9) the qualification and capability of the applicants
organizations and individuals responsible for performing the work; (10)
evidence of interest in the proposed research by industry, (11)
evidence of the applicants eligibility to receive financial assistance
from the U.S. DOE under Section 2306 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992;
and (12) Standard Form 424, DOE F 4620.1, U.S. Department of Energy
Budget Page, DOE Form 1600.5 ``Assurance of Compliance,''
Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other
Responsibility Matters; and Drug Free Workplace Requirements executed
prior to any award. Additional information may be requested by DOE
during review of applications.
Applications will be evaluated individually as they are received.
DOE
[[Page 51929]]
will evaluate the applications based on the following factors: (1)
Overall merit; for example: (a) The concept's applicability and
commercial potential to the U.S. diesel engine and material and
component supplier industries, (b) the interest of industry as
evidenced by letters of support, (c) the proposed cost share; (2) the
proposed project objectives and the probability of achieving the stated
objectives; (3) the applicants research capabilities and
qualifications; and (4) the applicant's facilities. DOE will select
only proposals which are meritorious based upon the above evaluation
and which represent a unique or innovative idea, method, or approach.
If separate areas of research are called for by this solicitation, then
a physically separate application for each area of research proposed is
required. However, two or more areas of research may be combined if
strong interfaces or interrelationships can be clearly shown.
This notice infers no commitment by DOE to make an award. A
decision to award will be determined after thorough evaluation of
applications received and the availability of funds. DOE reserves the
right to support or not support any applications. DOE assumes no
responsibility for any cost associated with the preparation of
applications. Award will be subject to the Energy Policy Act Section
2306, which contains the following limitation: ``Section 2306. Limits
on Participation by Companies--A company shall be eligible to receive
financial assistance under sections XX through XXIII of this Act only
if--(1) The Secretary finds that the company's participation in any
program under such titles would be in the economic interest of the
United States, as evidenced by investments in the United States in
research, development, and manufacturing (including, for example, the
manufacture of major components or subassemblies in the United States);
significant contributions to employment in the United States; an
agreement with respect to any technology arising from assistance
provided under this section to promote the manufacture within the
United States of products resulting from that technology (taking into
account the goals of promoting the competitiveness of United States
industry), and to procure parts and materials from competitive
suppliers; and (2) either--(a) The company is a United States-owned
company; or (b) the Secretary finds that the company is incorporated in
the United States and has a parent company which is incorporated in a
country which affords to United States-owned companies opportunities,
comparable to those afforded to any other company, to participate in
any joint venture similar to those authorized under this Act; affords
to United States-owned companies local investment opportunities
comparable to those afforded to any other company; and affords adequate
and effective protection for the intellectual property rights of United
States-owned companies.''
Issued in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on September 27, 1996.
Sylvia G. Galde,
Acting Division Director, Procurement and Contracts Division, Oak Ridge
Operations.
[FR Doc. 96-25500 Filed 10-3-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
