[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 12 (Friday, January 17, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2535-2536]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-1096]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


National Energy Technology Laboratory; Notice of Availability of 
a Financial Assistance Solicitation

AGENCY: National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Department of 
Energy (DOE).

ACTION: Notice of availability of a financial assistance solicitation.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the intent to issue Financial 
Assistance Solicitation No. DE-PS26-03NT41731 entitled ``Development of 
Novel Sensors for Ultra High Temperature Fossil Fuel Applications.'' 
The specific objective of this solicitation is to seek out new 
fundamental approaches to sensor concepts, materials, design, and 
fabrication that have potential application in the harsh environment of 
the advanced fossil fuel-based energy production systems. The types of 
projects sought through this solicitation include laboratory and bench-
scale testing as well as fundamental research that addresses the 
barriers associated with ultra-high temperature operation.

DATES: The solicitation will be available on the ``Industry Interactive 
Procurement System'' (IIPS) webpage located at http://e-center.doe.gov 
on or about January 24, 2003. Applicants can obtain access to the 
solicitation from the address above or through DOE/NETL's Web site at 
http://www.netl.doe.gov/business.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly A. McDonald, MS I07, U.S. 
Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, 3610 
Collins Ferry Road, P.O. Box 880, Morgantown, WV 26507-0880, E-mail 
Address: [email protected], Telephone Number: (304) 285-4113.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NETL's Advanced Research Program is leading 
the effort in innovative sensor development for fossil fuel 
applications including the power systems conceived under the Vision 21 
Program, such as oxygen blown gasification and combustion systems. Real 
time monitoring, diagnostics and control are critical for the safe and 
efficient operation of the energy conversion systems. However, due to 
the harsh conditions, current instrumentation and sensor technology is 
inadequate for the

[[Page 2536]]

systems. The lack of suitable on-line measurement technology represents 
the primary motivation for seeking out new developments in sensor 
technology. The specific objective of this solicitation is to seek out 
new fundamental approaches to sensor concepts, materials, design, and 
fabrication that have potential application in the harsh environment of 
the advanced fossil fuel-based energy production systems. The types of 
projects sought through this solicitation include laboratory and bench-
scale testing as well as fundamental research that addresses the 
barriers associated with ultra-high temperature operation.
    The research objectives are to:
    (1) Develop an understanding of the sensor mechanisms acquired by 
nano-scale design,
    (2) Develop technology for fusion of high temperature materials and 
advanced sensors,
    (3) Develop long term high temperature data for life prediction and 
reliability,
    (4) Devise life assessment models and experimental verification,
    (5) Obtain a quantitative description of the evolutionary processes 
that lead to failure and predict response of sensor materials in 
complex environments,
    (6) Miniaturize sensors, and
    (7) Explore self-contained sensor intelligence based on smart 
materials.\1\
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    \1\ Smart materials may be defined as the materials that respond 
to environmental changes at optimal conditions and manifest their 
functions according to the changes. The generic term ``smart 
materials'' includes the materials and probes that can provide 
information on a coating or process material while in service. The 
information can be used via a suitable process control mechanism to 
assess remaining life as well as to regulate the operating 
conditions. Examples of smart materials are shape memory alloys, 
optical fiber hybrid composites, and piezoelectric hybrid 
composites.
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    While the solicitation seeks out fundamental developments, the 
ultimate goal of the sensor program is to develop devices that can used 
for the measurement of temperature, pressure, and detection of various 
gases (O2, H2, N2, H2S, 
CH4, etc.) under conditions of high temperature (1000[deg]C) 
and elevated pressures (up to 500 psi). Low cost, in situ or embedded 
sensors that survive approximately one year of service in the presence 
corrosive and erosive conditions are ideal. The incorporation of self 
diagnostics/smart sensor functions is desired to verify performance and 
accuracy.
    It is anticipated that this program solicitation will result in 
three (3) to six (6) awards. The period of performance for each award 
will range from one to three years with budget periods to be 
established independently based on the logical technical phases of each 
individual project. Cost sharing is encouraged, but not required under 
the subject program solicitation.
    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 center.doe.gov">IIPS_HelpDesk@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. Telephone 
requests, written requests, E-mail requests, or facsimile requests for 
a copy of the solicitation package will not be accepted and/or honored. 
Applications must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the 
instructions and forms contained in the solicitation. The actual 
solicitation document will allow for requests for explanation and/or 
interpretation. However, all questions relating to the solicitation 
must be submitted electronically through IIPS. All responses to 
questions, as well as all amendments to the solicitation, will be 
released on the IIPS homepage.

    Issued in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 9, 2003.
Dale A. Siciliano,
Acting Director, Acquisition and Assistance Division.
[FR Doc. 03-1096 Filed 1-16-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P