Notice of Program InterestResearch and Development to Develop Advanced Materials for Low Emissions, High Efficiency Diesel Engine Components

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