NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE -- High Altitude, High Efficiency Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Engine Design and Development Project

Synopsis – J&A for Other than Full and Open Competition & Request for Information (RFI)

1.  Class Code: AC

2.  NAICS Code:  541715

3.  Subject:  NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE – High Altitude, High Efficiency Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Engine Design and Development Project

4.  Solicitation Number: W911QX22R0014

5.  Set-Aside Code: N/A

6.  Response Date: 04/20/2022

7.  Place of Performance:

US Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground

Adelphi Contracting Division

                        Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005

8.  Description: 

The United States Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source based on proprietary design. The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with MAHLE Powertrain, LLC, 23030 Mahle Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48335-2606, CAGE Code: 4RTR5, SAM UEI: M8KLDKAB11B9, for a new novel multi-fuel concept engine design, analysis and experimental validation data of the MAHLE Jet Ignition (MJI) combustion system for ignition with a range of different heavy fuels over a wide range of engine operating conditions. 

This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, this notice does function as a Request for Information (RFI) for offeror’s who believe they can meet the Government’s requirement (see Section 9 below). Any responsible source who believes it is capable of meeting the requirement may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency, only if received by the closing date and time of this notice.  A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. 

9. Requirement: Contractor shall provide a concept design, analysis and experimental validation of a novel multi-fuel ignition system for a future unmanned aircraft system engine. The engine design shall meet the following minimum requirements:

• Maximum power at sea level (take-off): 25 Horsepower (hp) @ 5,000 Revolutions per minute (rpm)
• Maximum engine mass: 20 pounds (lbs)
• Maximum brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) at highest efficiency operating point: 0.4 pound per horsepower-hour (lb/hph)
• Maximum altitude requirement: 20,000 feet (ft)
• Fuel: Alcohol-To-Jet Jet Propellant 8 (ATJ–JP-8) with cetane number ranging from 15-50+

The Government does not intend to use Part 12 for this acquisition.

Responses to this notice are due on or before 15 days after postingby email at laurice.l.bocao.ctr@army.mil.

Point of Contact for this notice is Laurice Bocao, laurice.l.bocao.ctr@army.mil.