[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 14 (Friday, January 21, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3436-3438]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-1495]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Chicago Operations Office; Office of Industrial Technologies


Notice of Solicitation for Financial Assistance Applications for 
Cooperative Research and Development for Advanced Materials in Advanced 
Industrial Gas Turbines

AGENCY:  Chicago Operations Office, DOE.

ACTION:  Notice of solicitation availability.

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SUMMARY:  The Department of Energy (DOE) announces its interest in 
receiving applications for federal assistance. The purpose of this 
research is to advance the state of development of one or more advanced 
material system(s) for integration into Advanced Industrial Gas Turbine 
Systems used in power generation service. In order to reach this goal, 
development, subsystem testing, and demonstration of optimized and 
fully integrated components comprising advanced material system(s) must 
be performed.

DATES:  The solicitation document will be available on or about 
December 17, 1999. Applications are due on or about February 4, 2000. 
Awards are anticipated by June 1, 2000.

ADDRESSES:  The solicitation will be available on the internet by 
accessing the DOE Chicago Operations Office Acquisition and Assistance 
Group home page at http://www.ch.doe.gov/business/acq.htm under the 
heading ``Current Solicitations'', Solicitation No. DE-SC02-00CH11005. 
Completed applications referencing Solicitation No. DE-SC02-00CH11005 
must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy, Chicago Operations 
Office, Communications Center, Building 201, Room 168, 9800 South Cass 
Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439-4899, ATTN: Roberta D. Schroeder, Acquisition 
and Assistance Group.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roberta D. Schroeder at 630/252-2708, 
U.S. Department of Energy, 9800 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL 60439-
4899, by facsimile at 630/252-5045, or by electronic mail at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  The Scope of Work covers applied research 
and pre-commercial demonstration in five work areas as described below 
as Tasks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. In addition to these tasks the Scope of Work 
includes Subtasks A and B. Subtask A will require the participant to 
provide a report covering the potential technical market and technical/
economic barriers. Subtask B will require the participant to provide a 
commercialization plan for advanced industrial turbines utilizing 
advanced material system(s).
    The Tasks represent an increasing progression of maturation stages 
for technology development. Tasks 1 and 2 involve research, design, and 
development of advanced materials systems, Tasks 3 and 4 involve 
technology systems development including gas-turbine modifications, and 
Task 5 involves pre-commercial demonstration. Depending on the current 
maturation of proposed technologies, the work may start at any task if 
prior work has been performed that would satisfy completion or 
sufficient progress of the previous task(s). For example, an applicant 
with an innovative concept but limited development experience for that 
concept may decide to apply only under Task 1--whereas applicants with 
more developed concepts may elect to bypass the initial tasks. 
Applications may address any combination or portions of the tasks. 
While it is not mandatory for applications to address only sequentially 
numbered tasks (e.g., applying under Tasks 1, 3 and 4 is allowable), 
there must be a logical sequence of the tasks to be performed based on 
the nature of the work to be performed.
    The ultimate maturation of technologies will be reached upon the 
attainment of the solicitation objectives in a pre-commercial 
demonstration of 8,000 hours (Task 5). Although it is the intention of 
this solicitation to support development of advanced material systems 
that will so culminate, there also is relevancy in gaining a better 
understanding of the advanced materials systems and their impact on gas 
turbines. In such a case, development of a completed commercial system 
may not be feasible. For example, development may end prior to the 
maturation state of Task 5, or Task 5 may be scheduled to complete less 
than the 8,000 hours (but more than 4,000 hours as discussed below) 
identified in the solicitation as a goal for commercialization. 
Regardless of the tasks proposed, applications will raise the 
maturation level of the concept relative to the solicitation 
objectives.
    Insofar as Subtask A and B are concerned, all participants will 
complete the program and planning report required by Subtask A, which 
will become a subtask of the lowest numbered Task proposed. 
Additionally, participants performing work under Tasks 3, 4 and/or 5 
will complete the commercialization plan required by Subtask B as a 
part of the lowest numbered Task proposed that is equal to or greater 
than 3.
    All work proposed to be performed under an application must be 
scheduled for completion within the three-year life expectancy of this 
program.
    Under Tasks 1 and 2 that follow, the work may be performed with 
respect to test devices or turbines that could serve as a logical and 
cost effective intermediate basis for developing technologies for 
advanced material systems. However, any such technology developed under 
Tasks 1 and 2 must have applicability to advanced industrial gas 
turbines.
    Under Tasks 3, 4 and 5 that follow, all work must be performed with 
respect to advanced industrial gas turbines (including test devices 
suitable to characterize aspects of advanced industrial gas turbines), 
and the demonstration required under Task 5 must be performed on an 
advanced industrial gas turbine(s). In performing this work, one or 
more such turbines may be used.
    Work under all tasks requires the participation of material 
processors at any level (applicant or sub-applicant) with sufficient 
responsibility to accomplish the work proposed. Work under all tasks 
also will be enhanced by the participation of an end user. For these 
tasks, this solicitation encourages the coordination of technical and 
administrative activities with an end

[[Page 3437]]

user. Long-term demonstration under Task 5 must be conducted at a host 
site that is committed by the end user. We encourage the demonstration 
to be conducted at an Industry of the Future Company.
    Task 1--The starting point of this task shall be, as a minimum, a 
technological concept(s) of an advanced material system(s) with prior 
experimental evidence of its potential for meeting the solicitation 
objectives. The participant will identify the form, function, and fit 
of all components necessary to execute the proposed technology. The 
participant also will develop preliminary component designs compatible 
with the properties of the advanced material system(s). The preliminary 
component designs will consider ease of manufacture and insertion and 
function of the component in the turbine. Testing on preliminary 
articles may be done at a scale suitable to confirm the design 
parameters that were used and to give qualitative and quantitative 
indications that the components will perform as planned.
    Task 2--The participant will complete detailed designs of the 
selected system components. The design process will include the 
optimization and cost reduction of the processing, fabrication, and 
integration of the selected components into a viable turbine system. 
The components will be manufactured and the sub-system will be 
assembled. Development and testing will be done to verify and optimize 
the overall approach, to provide operating and control parameters 
during manufacture and use, and to provide full-scale definition such 
as allowable turbine operating ranges, sensitivity to fuel variability, 
and other factors affecting the performance and competitiveness of the 
turbine system.
    Task 3--The design of an advanced industrial gas turbine will be 
adapted in parallel to component development to assure compatibility, 
optimum fit, and functionality. The work under this task will integrate 
hardware, controls, and operating procedures for startup, steady 
operation over the advanced industrial gas turbine's usual power range 
(for example 50% to 100% of rated output), planned changes (such as 
anticipated shutdown or transitions of operating load), and unexpected 
changes in power output (such as lost load) and determining energy 
efficiency and emissions.
    Task 4--The applicant shall design and fabricate a complete 
advanced industrial gas turbine system that utilizes the components 
developed under Task 2 or elsewhere. The components shall exhibit the 
form, function, and fit compatible with the modified advanced 
industrial gas turbine developed either under Task 3 or elsewhere. The 
applicant shall prove, either by subsystem rig testing or by 
demonstrating on an advanced industrial gas turbine, the ability of the 
subsystem components to perform as planned. Such testing shall include 
those sensors and controllers needed to maintain testing over the 
design operating range of the turbine. Test results shall include 
relationships among performance, efficiency, emissions, temperatures, 
and all other relevant parameters that quantify and qualify the system 
for commercial delivery. The proof testing shall be based on natural 
gas fuel or any other fuel with a viable market presence in the 
Industries of the Future such as waste fuels and biomass. Also, the 
market may require dual fuel capabilities. Such dual fuel capabilities 
may be considered in the design.
    The completion of Task 4 would result in the assembly of an 
advanced industrial gas turbine that incorporates components completed 
under this task or elsewhere. The advanced industrial gas turbine shall 
be ready for insertion into a commercial package that is suitable for 
shipment, installation, and demonstration in the field under Task 5.
    Task 5--A host site(s) will be selected for demonstration of the 
advanced industrial gas turbine qualified either by the completion of 
Task 4 or elsewhere. The participant will integrate the advanced 
industrial gas turbine with the balance of plant equipment such as a 
generator that is compatible with the needs of a specific host site(s). 
The completion of Task 5 would result in an 8000-hour demonstration of 
an advanced industrial gas turbine that can be reasonably expected to 
meet project objectives. At a minimum, the demonstration shall comprise 
4000 hours of operation with natural gas fuel at a host site that is 
compatible with an operating rate of at least 4000 hours per annum.
    The applicant shall complete a coordinated plan for the 
demonstration that incorporates the perspectives of all relevant 
parties, including the host site. The plan will also assign 
responsibilities on all matters necessary to execute the demonstration 
plan, such as business arrangements, balance of plant equipment, site 
construction, site integration, periodic inspections of hardware, 
visitations of third parties, data acquisition at the host site to 
verify expected benefits, and obtainment of environmental, 
construction, operating, and other permits.
    In support of the Office of Industrial Technologies and the 
nation's industries, it is preferred that the demonstration be 
conducted at an Industry of the Future company. If it is not feasible 
to conduct the demonstration at an Industry of the Future company or if 
there are valid reasons to do the demonstration elsewhere, a host site 
other than Industry of the Future company may be considered. Host sites 
comprising buildings or natural gas and electric utility sites may be 
relevant to programs of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 
Energy, Office of Building and Community Systems and the Office of 
Power Technologies respectively. In such cases, every possible effort 
will be made to coordinate such demonstrations with these offices.
    The demonstration shall be representative of significant market 
segments of the distributed power generation industry. As a result, the 
successful demonstration at the host site will be expected to exemplify 
the resolution of the typical barriers (such as technical, 
environmental, industry acceptance, and control issues related to the 
use of advanced material systems) that impede the widespread adoption 
of distributed generation. In this regard, all hours of operation 
accumulated under the demonstration shall be gained while generating 
electric power. Additionally, all such hours of operation shall be 
accumulated while the host site is interconnected to the existing local 
utility transmission and distribution grid that exists for the routine 
transmission and distribution of electric power. Accordingly, the 
balance of plant equipment shall be sufficient to generate and 
condition such electric power, and all hardware shall be provided for 
interconnection, transmission, and distribution on the local utility 
grid. (The sole use of isolation switches shall not be sufficient to 
meet this requirement.)
    Subtask A--Subtask A is required for any applicant selected for 
award and is to be performed in conjunction with the lowest numbered 
task proposed. The completed report must be received within 90 days of 
award of the cooperative agreement and will be submitted in accordance 
with topical report requirements.
    With emphasis on the Industries of the Future but not excluding 
other applications, the report will further define completed 
distributed generation and combined heat and power systems likely to be 
available at the successful completion of this project. The participant 
will identify and quantify the potential technical markets for such

[[Page 3438]]

systems. In areas such as energy efficiency, performance, cost, and 
emissions, the participant will provide detailed rationale that 
supports these projections. All barriers such as the lack of uniform 
code standards that will impact on the technical market will be 
identified. However, any such barriers that are out of the control of 
the participant shall be deemed not to impact on the projected 
technical market.
    Subtask B--Subtask B is required for any applicant selected for 
award who proposed on Tasks 3, 4, and/or 5 and is to be performed in 
conjunction with the lowest numbered task proposed. The completed 
report must be received within 180 days of initiation of the lowest 
numbered Task (3-5) proposed. This report will be submitted in 
accordance with topical report requirements.
    The main impetus for this work is the commercial implementation of 
efficient, clean, and cost effective advanced industrial gas turbines 
with advanced material systems that are deployed in distributed 
generation and combined heat and power system(s). It is essential that 
a commercialization plan support the proposed advanced material systems 
and achieve the goals of this solicitation. Participants doing work 
under Tasks 3, 4, or 5 shall complete commercialization plans and 
strategies for all relevant functions in the commercialization process 
such as cost-effective manufacturing, marketing, production volumes, 
and support for the participant's advanced industrial gas turbine 
system. The commercialization plan will emphasize market applications 
in the Industries of the Future.
    As applicants may apply under one or more of the five tasks within 
the solicitation Scope of Work, there is a wide range in the number of 
potential awards and award values. DOE expects to award one (1) to five 
(5) cooperative agreements under this solicitation. It is estimated 
that individual awards will range in value between approximately 
$300,000.00 and $1,500,000.00 of DOE funding and will require awardee 
cost sharing. A minimum non-federal cost sharing commitment of 30% of 
the cost for Tasks 1 and 2, 45% of the costs for Tasks 3 and 4, and 60% 
of the costs for Task 5 is required.
    Estimated DOE funding is $6 million over the three-year period. DOE 
reserves the right to fund in whole or in part, any, all, or none of 
the applications submitted in response to this solicitation. All awards 
are subject to the availability of funds.
    Any non-profit or for-profit organization or other institution of 
higher education, or non-federal agency or entity is eligible to apply, 
unless otherwise restricted by the Simpson-Craig Amendment. In 
addition, applicants must satisfy the requirements of the Energy Policy 
Act in order to be eligible for award. DOE National Laboratory 
participation as a subcontractor is limited to no more than 30% of the 
cost of any individual task to be performed.

    Issued in Argonne, Illinois on January 4, 2000.
John D. Greenwood,
Acquisition and Assistance Group, Group Manager.
[FR Doc. 00-1495 Filed 1-20-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P