REQUEST FOR INFORMATION-Aviation Diesel Engine
SPECIAL NOTICE
Army ACC - APG / Adelphi Cont Div, ACC - APG / Adelphi Div, 2800 Powder Mill Road, CCAP-SCA, Adelphi MD 20783-1138
THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes as the initiation of market research under FAR, Part 10, however does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Vehicle Technology Directorate, is seeking information on the state of the art for aviation diesel engines of 70 to 150 horsepower, at the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 or more.
Background:
Many agencies within the Department of Defense have a need for a reliable propulsion system for mid-sized Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), in the range of 70-150 shaft horsepower. Due to the requirements of the Single Fuel Forward Policy, the engines must be able operate on jet fuel (JP-8 or F-24). Additionally, the mission of U.S. Army UAVs is typically long in duration, sometimes in excess of 24 hours flight time. Diesel (i.e. compression ignition) engines are therefore, typically the best option of immediately available technologies. However, of the immediately available options, none are known to be capable of operating reliably at high altitudes (up to 30K ft).
Requirement:
The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) aims to conduct experimental investigations into performance and combustion properties of engines that meet the requirements outlined below. The most important of these is that the engine be immediately available, i.e. at a TRL of 7 or more. Based on the information provided in response to this RFI, at a later time, ARL may seek proposals to supply one or more engines to examine closely at ARL, for potential application in a range of future Army UAVs. All submission to this RFI must meet the following criteria, at a minimum:
• TRL 7 or higher, i.e. a prototype has been demonstrated in an operational environment
• Compression-ignition reciprocating engine design
• Fueled by JP-8 or F-24
• Highly robust and reliable
• Minimum maintenance interval of 100 hours
• Time before overhaul greater than 1200 hours
• 70 to 150 shaft horsepower
• Capable of operation up to at least 25,000 ft altitude
• Power to dry weight ratio exceeding 0.5 hp/lb (0.82 kW/kg)
• Fuel consumption less than 0.40 lb/hp-h at full and 50% load (250 g/kWh)
• Suited for vehicles of maximum gross takeoff weight of 1000 - 4000 pounds
• Unit cost less than $100K
• Capable of 24 hours continuous operation
For engines that can meet this criteria, the Army Research Laboratory is seeking white papers, and other data-supported literature. Information in the form of sales brochures will be accepted, but will not be relied upon without the support of thorough experimental or modeled evidence. The submitted information should state if the submitter is willing to engage in follow-up contact or discussion regarding the contents of the submission. In addition to the above requirements, the additional parameters below should be provided, if available:
• Expected maximum power and torque at Sea level, 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k, 25k and 30k ft
• Engine geometry and dry weight
• Engine driveshaft inertia
• Fuel properties of the fuel used for engine calibration (ie cetane, heating value, density, aromatic content, etc.)
• Turbocharger or other boost system specifications, including surge map
• Fueling system details
• Combustion and performance metrics (in-cylinder pressure traces, indicated mean effective pressure, max pressure rise rate, combustion noise, etc.)
• Information on the expected physical scalability of the engine technology to power levels of 50% to 200% of the rated maximum power.
• Information on the manufacturability of the engine, and the readiness of the designers to begin producing the engine at a level of 50 units per year. Alternatively the anticipated costs for readying the engine and facilities for manufacture should be provided.
• Expected yearly engine maintenance costs
• Knowledge of barriers to the fielding of technologies on military UAS
Following initial submissions to this RFI, additional information may be requested through the Army Contracting Command. The acquired information on the current state of the art will be instrumental in supporting the need for future ventures performed through both the U.S. Government and contractors.
Applied Research under this announcement is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal, nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to pay for any information, or otherwise reimburse responders for any costs associated with their respective submissions in response to this RFI. All submissions will be treated as information only. Respondents will not be notified of the results of any review of this RFI; however, clarification of submissions may be requested by the Contracting Officer. Participation in this effort is strictly voluntary.
THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AT THIS TIME.
This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Army at this time, is not seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. Therefore it is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement.
Submission Instructions:
Interested parties are invited to submit a response to this RFI by close of business July 7, 2017, in response to this RFI not exceeding 20 pages in length including all appendices with the organization name, address, website address, telephone number, and size and type of ownership for the organization. All questions/comments regarding this RFI should be submitted in writing to daniel.p.dougherty14.civ@mail.mil. The Government will provide feedback within seven (7) days of RFI closing date. Documents should be submitted in Microsoft Office format or as a portable document format (".pdf") file. If proprietary or copyrighted information is submitted, please include a statement authorizing the Government to copy and use it within the Government for comparison purposes. Appropriately marked proprietary information will be properly protected by the U.S. Government. Classified information should be submitted only if it significantly clarifies or broadens the scope of technology considered. If a classified response is necessary, please write the contracting point of contact for specific submittal instructions, and include company name and address, primary and one alternate point of contact, telephone and email address, cage code, and NAICS code.
Point of Contact(s):
Daniel P. Dougherty (Contracting Officer), e-mail daniel.p.dougherty14.civ@mail.mil (301) 394-4680;
Contracting Office Address:
Army ACC - APG / Adelphi Cont Div, ACC - APG / Adelphi Div, 2800 Powder Mill Road, CCAP-SCA, Adelphi MD 20783-1138
Daniel Dougherty, Contracting Officer, Email daniel.p.dougherty14.civ@mail.mil
