[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]


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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,

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High Efficiency Diesel Engine Components.

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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

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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