[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 4 (Monday, January 7, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-281]



[[Page 719]]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Advanced Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Onboard Storage Systems

AGENCY: Chicago Operations Office, DOE.

ACTION: Notice of intent to issue a financial assistance solicitation.

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SUMMARY: DOE intends to issue a financial assistance solicitation in 
February 2002 for research and development in the area of Advanced 
Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Onboard Storage Systems. The long-term goal is 
to demonstrate cryogenic tank and pump systems that have commercial 
potential. The short-term goal is to validate cryogenic pumping design 
concepts through a laboratory proof-of-concept test program. The scope 
of work for the solicitation will be in two phases. Phase I activities 
will involve the ``proof of concept'' through a validation test 
program. Tasks under this phase will cover: construction of a test 
stand; fabrication of test items; component testing; pilot testing of a 
complete fuel delivery system; redesign and optimization; and prototype 
testing. Phase II activities will involve tank certification testing 
and road testing. (Phase II funding will be based on availability of 
funds, test data, design and market plan.) It is anticipated that these 
efforts will take place over a twenty-four month period under a 
cooperative agreement arrangement. One or two cooperative agreements 
will result from the solicitation. Total Government funding is expected 
to be approximately $1,000,000.00. Successful applicants are expected 
to cost-share a minimum of 30% of the project cost. Technical program 
requirements include (1) low-pressure (15 psig or less) on-board 
storage, and (2) a no-vent system, both on station refuel and fuel 
delivery to the engine. It is anticipated that award(s) as a result of 
the solicitation will be made in July, 2002. It is further anticipated 
that Phase II funding for this project will be available in the FY 2003 
budget.

DATES: The solicitation will be available on DOE's ``Industry 
Interactive Procurement System'' (IIPS) Web page located at http://e-
center.doe.gov on or about February 15, 2002. Prospective applicants 
can obtain access to the solicitation from the above Internet address 
or through the DOE Chicago Operations Office (CH) Internet address at 
http://www.ch.doe.gov under ``current solicitations''. The deadline for 
the submission of applications will be identified in the solicitation.

ADDRESSES: The solicitation, when issued, will include a narrative 
statement of work, program requirements, qualification criteria, 
evaluation criteria, and other information. The solicitation and any 
subsequent amendments will be published on the above mentioned Internet 
addresses. All applications must be submitted through IIPS in 
accordance with the instructions provided in the solicitation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon L. Donaldson, 630/252-0953.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: An Advanced LNG Storage System incorporates 
the use of a fuel pump. LNG fuel pumps are currently being used on 
high-pressure (3600 psig) direct injected natural gas engines. There 
are, however, advantages to using LNG pumps for all types of engines, 
since 25% more natural gas can be stored in a tank when fuel tank 
saturation pressure is below 15 psig. The lower pressure of the 
vehicle's storage tank also helps standardize and simplify the 
operation of the natural gas refueling station. Operating at low 
pressures can also reduce venting losses and may offer savings in 
equipment costs. The major obstacle to low-pressure onboard storage is 
the availability of a highly reliable in-tank LNG pump. DOE, therefore, 
has interest in an R&D test program that further develops low-pressure 
onboard LNG pumping capability. Interested parties will be required to 
address the following program requirements: type of refueling (either 
single line fill or two line fill); thermal/pressure tank management; 
fuel weathering; fuel delivery sufficient for a 425-hp engine; 
cryogenic pump durability and maintenance schedule; tank hold time; 
redundancy in case of pump failure; business plan; and safety. It is 
DOE's intent to evaluate submitted designs and business plans, and 
support the further testing of the most promising approaches. Once 
released, the solicitation will be available for downloading from the 
IIPS Internet page. At this Internet site you will also be able to 
register with IIPS, enabling you to submit an application. If you need 
technical assistance in registering or for any other IIPS function call 
the IIPS Help Desk at (800) 683-0751 or E-mail the Help Desk personnel 
at IIPS center.doe.gov">HeIpDesk@e-center.doe.gov. The solicitation will only be made 
available in IIPS, no hard (paper) copies of the solicitation and 
related documents will be made available.

    Issued: Argonne, Illinois on December 26, 2001.
John D. Greenwood,
Assistant Manager for Acquisition and Assistance.
[FR Doc. 02-281 Filed 1-4-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P