Broad agency announcement for basic and applied research at the U. S. Army natick soldier research, development and engineering center, natick, MA

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract awarded under competitive Broad Agency Announcement 11-13 Natick BAA for Special Focus Area: Shelters and Life support Technologies for Contingency Basing (Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency) for Energy Efficient Structures Incorporating Cellular Insulation.

Due uncertainties involved in contract performance for this Research and Development contract, costs could not be estimated with sufficient accuracy in order to use any type of fixed price contract.

ost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract awarded under competitive Broad Agency Announcement 11-13 Natick BAA for Special Focus Area: Shelters and Life support Technologies for Contingency Basing (Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency) for Energy Efficient Structures Incorporating Cellular Insulation.

Due uncertainties involved in contract performance for this Research and Development contract, costs could not be estimated with sufficient accuracy in order to use any type of fixed price contract.

Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract awarded under competitive Broad Agency Announcement 11-13 Natick BAA for Section VI, A, 1 Combat Food Service Equipment for Individual and Group Feeding for Development of Mobile Kitchen Universal Heater.

A new topic has been added to the Broad Agency Announcment under Section VI, Section C. Warfighter Systems Technologies #20 - Tactical Medical Equipment and Ssystem. GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE UNDER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES TO VIEW THE ENTIRE BAA SOLICITATION FOR FULL DETAILS: https://www3.natick.army.mil

THERE ARE NO FUNDS AGAINST THE BAA SOLICITATION. GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE UNDER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES TO VIEW THE ENTIRE BAA SOLICITATION FOR FULL DETAILS: https://www3.natick.army.mil The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) identifies scientific and technical areas of interest for research and/or exploratory development. This BAA is conducted using full and open competition. In an effort to minimize proposal preparation cost, this BAA utilizes a two-step process. The first step will be the submission of a concept paper. Offerors that submit concept papers that are consistent with the intent of the BAA, and are of interest to the government will be invited to submit a proposal (step two). Such an invitation does not assure that the submitting organization will be awarded a contract. Instructions for the submission of concept papers and proposals are contained in the BAA. The submission of a concept paper is required prior to the submission of a proposal. Failure to follow this two-step process may preclude the chance for award. Proposals submitted in response to the BAA will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the BAA. Technical evaluations will employ a peer or scientific review process. A proposal's technical evaluation, and its importance to agency programs, along with funding availability are primary bases for contract award. Cost realism and reasonableness shall also be considered to the extent appropriate. Concept papers will be accepted continuously through 28 February 2013. This BAA will remain open continuously through 31 March 2013. The BAA technical areas of interest are divided into the following groups: 1. Combat Feeding Equipment and Systems (objectives focus on combat food service equipment for individual and group feeding, and unit/organization equipment); 2. Combat Ration Research and Development; 3. Warrior Systems Technologies (objectives focus on ballistic protection for individuals, integrated protective helmet, modular personnel protection system (MPPS), chemical/biological protection for individuals, flame and thermal protection for the individual soldier, countersurveillance, body worn interactive materials, body-worn systems, hand held devices, and smart-lightweight electronic components/modules for soldier protection, knowledge management and cognitive improvement, biomechanics, materials nanotechnology, lightweight conformal solar cells, anthropometry, advanced protection and integration technologies and systems, warrior performance and soldier-borne power source); 4. Tentage, Fabric Structures and Rigid Wall Shelters; 5. Airdrop - Advanced Personnel and Cargo Airdrop Systems; 6. Textile Technologies; 7. Modeling and Simulation (objectives focus on individual and small unit performance and survivability, and wargaming concept and tool development); 8. Neuroepidemiology; 9. National Protection Center; 10. Warfighter Advanaced Technologies (objectives focus on small, unmanned system technology, individual warrior technology and information operations). All technical questions may be directed to the respective technical/administrative POC listed under each technical area of interest on the BAA. THIS SYNOPSES IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR PART 35.016(c).

The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Natick Contracting Division in support of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), Natick, MA, is requesting Concept Papers from firms for battalion scale Waste to Energy Converter (WEC) systems for contingency base camps. This is not a Request for Proposal. The Government anticipates awarding multiple two-phase contracts, with competitive downselect after the first phase, under topic A.1 Combat Feeding Equipment Systems - Combat Food Service Equipment for Individual and Group Feeding, Sub-Topic h., of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) 11-13.

BACKGROUND

Deployed forces generate enormous amounts of solid waste, including 3-4 lbs per person each day from field feeding, that has typically been disposed by burning in open burn pits, burn boxes, or trucked to landfills. These methods consume fuel and have negative environmental and force protection consequences. Burning waste creates operational and maintenance burdens, operational security concerns, safety and health issues, is environmentally harmful, and wastes energy. Backhauling waste is expensive, places Warfighters in harm's way, and also consumes fuel. However, for any military camp, the majority of the solid waste steam is carbonaceous and therefore could be remediated onsite and/or converted into an energy source. Effective waste destruction is of higher priority than efficient energy conversion, as is minimal manpower, but exporting energy improves the return on investment and shortens the payback period.

Waste characterization varies significantly, but projections can be made from the data in the referenced documents. Because much of the waste is generated by foodservice operations, it can be expected to contain substantial moisture from prepared food and partially consumed beverages, and it is not practical to manually segregate these materials. Bags of trash are also likely to contain small metal cans (e.g., from beverages and single serving fruit cups) and some glass bottles. Manual segregation is highly undesirable and should be limited to bulk food slop and obvious metal items, such as bags of empty #10 cans.

Previous work has shown small air-blown gasifier and pyrolysis technologies to have good potential for small-scale waste to energy conversion, although this RFI is not restricted to those technologies. However, existing prototypes have been unable to meet contingency basing needs in terms of transportability, ability to reliably handle raw unsegregated field waste, and/or other performance requirements expressed below. These shortfalls in current technology represent opportunities for applied research to address the requirements described in this synopsis.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

For the purposes of this synopsis, the desired system characteristics are described in the following preliminary performance requirements:

1. Complete System. The WEC shall include all necessary equipment (e.g., pre-processing, material transport, power generation, pollution control, etc.) to ingest bagged waste and export electrical power. It shall be rugged and low-maintenance to minimize operational costs, and shall have few consumables to minimize logistical requirements.
2. Throughput. The WEC shall process 2 tons waste per day to support a battalion-scale expeditionary camp.
3. Waste Feedstock. The WEC shall process unsorted mixed non-hazardous solid waste from foodservice and other activities, with variable constituents and moisture content as described in the background section. It is also desirable to process other waste materials such as wood pallets and used motor oil.
4. Transportability. The entire WEC system shall be packaged or containerized in 8 8 20-foot ISO shipping containers for rapid deployment and compatibility with existing transportation assets. The WEC shall be packaged in as few containers as possible (objective 3 containers or fewer including power generation). The system should be capable of achieving CSC certification and passing rail impact and rough terrain transportation tests.
5. Manpower. The WEC shall have automated control and operation and shall require minimal manpower (objective 1 part time operator), including any waste handling or segregation.
6. Residues and Emissions. The WEC shall produce only non-hazardous residuals (e.g., no solid, liquid, or gaseous byproducts that require special handling or disposal). Any residues or emissions shall be benign to the environment and safe for equipment operators.
7. Smoke and Odors. Because it is intended for use in the camp near trash generation and/or electrical power demands, the WEC shall produce no smoke or objectionable odors during operation, including startup, shutdown, and unexpected power interruptions.
8. Power Generation. The WEC shall include its own power generation capability. The use of standard military tactical quiet generators may be advantageous from a maintenance perspective, but is not required.
9. Fuel. The WEC shall be able to use either JP-8 or DF-2, whichever is available, for any fuel requirements (e.g., startup, operation, or bi-fuel power generation).
10. Efficiency. In terms of fuel and electric power, the WEC shall be self-sufficient, exporting at least as much energy as it consumes.
11. Cost. The WEC target production cost is less than $1M.

INFORMATION OF INTEREST

The intent of this synopsis is to identify systems/technologies that have already been shown to meet many of the performance requirements listed above and can be developed into a mature technology demonstration prototype system within two years, ready for demonstration/validation and subsequent engineering and manufacturing development. The Concept Paper should include physical and functional descriptions of the proposed system, including:

1. Performance Requirements. Discuss ability to meet the requirements specified above.
2. Technology. Discuss technology used, including reactor design and subsystems, and assess Technology Readiness Level / maturity.
3. Cost. Estimate research and development funding required and production pricing.
4. Packaging. Discuss system size and weight when configured for transportation as well as setup procedures and operational configuration.
5. Feedstock. Discuss acceptable and problematic feedstock and any manual segregation or separation requirements. Discuss how the system assures automatic, reliable, and uninterrupted processing of challenging feedstock (e.g., variable composition, high moisture content, and containing tramp materials).
6. Throughput. Discuss waste processing rates, acceptable duty cycles, and turndown capability to accommodate feedstock availability or power demand.
7. Power. Discuss generator (e.g., type, output, efficiency), system parasitic energy requirements, and net electrical output.
8. Consumables. Discuss all system consumables, including fuel, water, and maintenance items.

It is anticipated that offerors may have already built and demonstrated systems similar to what is sought by this synopsis. The Concept Paper may include as an appendix or attachment, not subject to the 5-page limit, additional information about existing systems such as descriptions, diagrams, photographs, energy balance, test data, and environmental certifications that help substantiate performance claims and demonstrate technology maturity.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

All interested firms are encouraged to submit a Concept Paper to NSRDEC in accordance with NSRDEC Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) 11-13, which can be found at https://www3.natick.army.mil/nsrdecbaa.html. The BAA contains instructions for submission of Concept Papers. Proprietary information will not be disclosed outside the U.S. Government. Nothing shall be construed herein or through the synopsis process to commit or obligate the Government to further action as a result of this synopsis. Firms responding to this synopsis shall bear all risk and expense of any resources used to provide the requested information, and all information submitted in response to this request shall become the property of the Government, and will not be returned to the submitter. Responses shall be submitted via email to mark.daley@us.army.mil or by regular mail to U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center, Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, Attn: RDNS-CR (Mr. Mark Daley), Kansas Street, Natick MA 01760-5018. Submission point of contact is Mark Daley, 508-233-4163. The Government will evaluate all Concept Papers and provide written responses/proposal invitations to the offerors within 30 days of this synopsis expiring. In accordance with FAR 16.301-3, for an anticipated cost type contract to be awarded, potential offerors must ensure they have an adequate accounting system, as determined by their cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) office. This synopsis expires 9 September 2011.

REFERENCES

1. Ruppert, W. H., et al. Force Provider Solid Waste Characterization Study. NATICK/TR-04/017. U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center. Natick, MA. August 2004. http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA427565
2. Department of the Army. Solid Waste Generation Rates at Army Base Camps. TB 200-1-51. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Washington, DC. April 2008. http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/ARMYCOE/PWTB/pwtb_200_1_51.pdf

THERE ARE NO FUNDS AGAINST THE BAA SOLICITATION. GO TO THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE UNDER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES TO VIEW THE ENTIRE BAA SOLICITATION FOR FULL DETAILS: https://www3.natick.army.mil The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) identifies scientific and technical areas of interest for research and/or exploratory development. This BAA is conducted using full and open competition. In an effort to minimize proposal preparation cost, this BAA utilizes a two-step process. The first step will be the submission of a concept paper. Offerors that submit concept papers that are consistent with the intent of the BAA, and are of interest to the government will be invited to submit a proposal (step two). Such an invitation does not assure that the submitting organization will be awarded a contract. Instructions for the submission of concept papers and proposals are contained in the BAA. The submission of a concept paper is required prior to the submission of a proposal. Failure to follow this two-step process may preclude the chance for award. Proposals submitted in response to the BAA will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the BAA. Technical evaluations will employ a peer or scientific review process. A proposal's technical evaluation and its importance to agency programs, along with funding availability are primary bases for contract award. Cost realism and reasonableness shall also be considered to the extent appropriate. Concept papers will be accepted continuously through 28 February 2013. This BAA will remain open continuously through 31 March 2013. The BAA technical areas of interest are divided into the following groups: 1. Combat Feeding Equipment and Systems (objectives focus on combat food service equipment for individual and group feeding, and unit/organization equipment); 2. Combat Ration Research and Development; 3. Warrior Systems Technologies (objectives focus on ballistic protection for individuals, integrated protective helmet, modular personnel protection system (MPPS), chemical/biological protection for individuals, flame and thermal protection for the individual soldier, countersurveillance, body worn interactive materials, body-worn systems, hand held devices, and smart-lightweight electronic components/modules for soldier protection, knowledge management and cognitive improvement, biomechanics, materials nanotechnology, lightweight conformal solar cells, anthropometry, advanced protection and integration technologies and systems, warrior performance and soldier-borne power source); 4. Tentage, Fabric Structures and Rigid Wall Shelters; 5. Airdrop - Advanced Personnel and Cargo Airdrop Systems; 6. Textile Technologies; 7. Modeling and Simulation (objectives focus on individual and small unit performance and survivability, and wargaming concept and tool development); 8. Neuroepidemiology; 9. National Protection Center; 10. Warfighter Advanaced Technologies (objectives focus on small, unmanned system technology, individual warrior technology and information operations). All technical questions may be directed to the respective technical/administrative POC listed under each technical area of interest on the BAA.