Common Advanced Solar Panel Ruggedized Unit
THIS IS FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY!!!! NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS
This is an amendment to the previous CASPR RFI posted on Sept 12, 2018. Please refer to the below updated description and updated draft PSpec when responding to CASPR RFI. Due Date has changed to Oct 12, 2018 @8am ET.
Description.
The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is conducting market research for potential sources to manufacture a Common Advanced Solar Panel Ruggedized (CASPR) to support the Program Manager Engineer Systems (PM ES). CASPR is intended to serve as a common solar panel for legacy and future renewable and hybrid energy systems. CASPR shall be capable of providing at least 450 watts of rated solar power. CASPR shall be two man moveable and weigh less than 88 lbs.
There is an Initial Performance Description of CASPR attached to this Request For Information (RFI) that outlines other anticipated metrics.
CASPR is intended to serve as a common solar panel to renewable and hybrid systems, but it is also anticipated to serve as a standalone DC power source. This RFI is intended to help bind the upper and lower technical limits that may be applied to CASPR.
It is anticipated that CASPR will have an associated control module, enabling Maximum Peak Power Tracking (MPPT) algorithms and voltage regulation circuitry. The control module should have the capability to be bypassed or employed depending on the needs of the user. With the control module bypassed, a user may connect to legacy energy systems. With the control module enabled, CASPR will provide a regulated power source such that future energy systems may be simplified and rely on the native MPPT and circuitry associated with CASPR. This concept is discussed further in the associated Initial Performance Description.
It is also anticipated that users may want to connect multiple CASPR panels in parallel or series through direct panel-to-panel-plug-and-play connectors. This connection of CASPR panels may provide benefit regarding scalable high power production and quicker setup time. However, it also may increase the size and weight of certain CASPR components needed to safely handle higher electrical currents or voltages.
PLEASE ENSURE TO ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING:
•1. Are there systems currently available that can meet the Initial Performance Description? Please highlight capabilities that the systems exceeds at or are unable to meet.
•2. Are the systems currently available on GSA Schedule?
•3. Are the systems currently in production?
•4. Information regarding performance at low light levels
•5. Associated costs for rough order of magnitude, capability, and availability tradeoffs is desired.
•6. Information on manufacturing capability and production rate along with information on whether the origination of parts and assembly locations are from foreign or domestic sources.
Ground space is limited. Solutions that minimize deployment footprint, perhaps by utilizing more vertical space, but still be stable in harsh wind conditions are welcome.
Information on other added CASPR capabilities and tradeoffs not already specified that industry would like to provide is also desired, e.g.: an attachable solar power and health meter, user-selectable voltage level outputs, entire-surface visible and infrared camouflage under any light conditions, alternatives to the AISPCA MC4 connector, an attachable micro-inverter that can synchronize to an existing grid and provide AC power; the micro-inverter may have additional functionalities such as grid forming, power curtailment, and ability to communicate to a micro-grid using a non-proprietary interface standard.
Any other value added information that would be pertinent to future CASPR acquisition is also desired as well as recommendations for improving the Initial Performance Description.
REQUEST FOR WRITTEN RESPONSES: No industry day is planned. Responses from interested vendors must be submitted as Microsoft Word document(s) or .PDF document(s) attached to email: stefanie.conway@usmc.mil no later than 12 October 2018 @8:00 am Eastern Time, for consideration.
Cover Page of RFI response should include the following:
1. Business Name
2. Business Size
3. Point of Contact Name
4. Business Address
5. Phone Number
6. Email Address
Responses received after the suspense date and time, may not be entertained. Telephonic responses will not be entertained.
THE SUBMISSION OF THIS INFORMATION IS FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS/SERVICES, OR FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR THE INFORMATION RECEIVED. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS AT THIS TIME.
Stefanie Conway, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 432-5776, Email stefanie.conway@usmc.mil
