Assistant Secretary Burke has said “To win the wars of the future and implement the President’s defense strategy, we need to make sure American business can meet the needs of our future force.” DoD relies on American workers and businesses to help defend the nation. That is especially true when it comes to energy technology for our military. By leveraging businesses and entrepreneurs to accelerate energy innovation for our warfighters, we strengthen our security, modernize our industrial base, and promote economic development at the same time. That said, we know that doing business with the Department isn’t always the easiest. One way we hope to make that easier is by listing open defense energy solicitations. As we become aware of new RFIs, FOAs, and other solicitations, we’ll update this page.
BAA for Energy Conservation Applications for U.S. Navy Ships
Posted on: December 10, 2012; Closes on November 30, 2014
Solicitation Number: N0016713BAA01
Naval Surface Warfare Center is seeking innovative concepts from industry and academia to enable energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction on U.S. Navy ships. The primary focus is on concepts with the potential for rapid transition to Fleet operations. All Military Sealift Command ship classes and Navy combatants have opportunities for energy conservation, and all classes are of interest under this BAA.
Emphasis is placed on solutions with an identified transition path capable of making near-term, measurable improvements towards the Navy’s shipboard energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction needs. Solutions at all levels of development will be considered, ranging from near-term strategies applicable to existing ship classes to those suitable for new construction and future design.
Learn more and submit a response here: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=04286c9f96df5f450567741f461facb4&tab=core&_cview=0
BAA for Advanced Aircraft Power Systems, Fuel Technology, Aircraft Energy Conservation for U.S. Navy Aircraft
Posted on: November 12, 2013; Closes on: November 12, 2014
Solicitation Number: N68335-14-R-0018
Naval Air Systems Command has released its 2014 Broad Area Announcement (BAA) for propulsion and power technology development programs. The Navy is looking for technologies that will significantly improve power density, available power, efficiency, reliability, readiness, service life, environmental compliance, safety-of-flight, and ownership costs. Technology development areas include, but are not limited to, fuel cell systems, novel generators and motors, engine and generator integration, wiring and power system diagnostics/prognostics, arc fault circuit breakers, high temperature components, advanced wiring materials, batteries and other advanced energy storage devices, thermal management and advanced cooling techniques, and power conversion/control.
Learn more and submit a response here: https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N68335/N68335-14-R-0018/listing.html
Department of Energy FOA on Wave Energy
Posted on: 25 April 2014; Closes on: 11 June 2014
Solicitation Number:
DE-FOA-0001081
The Energy Department is seeking test prototypes designed to generate electricity from ocean waves. Demonstrations of these prototypes will take place at the US Navy's Wave Energy Test Site off of Hawaii. These demonstrations will help to develop reliable clean and renewable wave energy options as well as provide date on performance and cost. Results from the project will be used to provide data for validating design, cost models and tools, and to identify deployment issues that can be addressed through government action. Through this initiative, DOE and the Navy will collect important performance and cost data, while supporting the Department of Defense's renewable energy goals
On May 7th an informational webinar will be held regarding this FOA.
More information is available here:
https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaIdff20cef6-dab4-4acb-a299-b5d0fb617d6c
Department of Energy FOA for Renewable Carbon Fibers
Posted on: 3 February, 2014; Closes on: 11 April, 2014
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000996
The Department of Energy (DoE)'s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) seeks to enable a wide range of efficient and renewable energy technologies.
As part of its mission, EERE has the goal of enhancing US competitiveness in clean energy technologies, including in their manufacturing processes. In support of this goal, EERE has released an FOA which seeks to develop a cost competitive carbon fiber, made from renewable non-food biomass, that can be used to make vehicles lighter.
A webinar with more information about the FOA is available online at
Learn more and submit a response here: https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/#FoaId9c2b53f7-d61a-45a1-b322-20df23a47d0b
Sources Sought for Energy Reduction Transformation (TROPEC Program, Evaluation Cycle 14.1)
Posted on: February 4, 2014; Closes on April 1, 2014
Solicitation number: N3943014R1429
Transformative Reductions in Operational Energy Consumption (TROPEC), an OECIF funded program, identifies, assesses, demonstrates and helps transitions innovations for energy use reduction at expeditionary base camps, with a particular emphasis on tropical environments.
TROPEC is seeking submissions for 2014 that could be used to reduce energy and water consumption at expeditionary bases, water purification, water use reduction, water reuse, efficient electronics and DC-powered shelter loads.
Learn more and submit a response here: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=ee8530c43a6747beb4a4eaf1209d832b&tab=core&_cview=0
Dismounted Soldier Operational Energy (DSOE) Needs Statement
Posted on: February 20th, 2014; Response date: March 6, 2014
Solicitation Number: RRTO-20140220-DSOE
As part of OECIF's
Soldier and Small Unit Operational Energy Consortium OSD's Rapid Reaction Technology Office (RRTO) Innovation Outreach Program is working with the Army and Marine Corps to reduce the power and weight demands placed on dismounted soldiers.
RRTO will hold a meeting near Aberdeen, MD in the late Spring where selected companies will have the opportunity to make short presentations to government representatives about their technologies and products. If they match the operational energy needs of dismounted soldiers, technologies may be selected for pilot projects or experimentation. Innovative technologies are being sought in wearable or portable power, power distribution and management, energy harvesting, wearable electronics, and more. Companies interested in attending the meeting should apply through the link below by March 6, 2014.
Learn more and submit a response here:
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c3031bbb30630532d1f4781afb5b4172&tab=core&_cview=0
Examining the Benefits of an Ultra Light Combat Vehicle (ULCV) to support Infantry mobility
Posted on: 22 January 2014; Closes on: 21 February 2014
Solicitation Number: W56HZV-ULTRA-LIGHT-COMBAT-VEHICLE
The Army seeks information on the benefits of an Ultra Light Combat Vehicle (UCLV) to support mobility for Infantry Brigade Combat Team soldiers. Information gathered will be used to screen potential commercial solutions, which in turn may be demonstrated during a static displace and proof of principal event. This vehicle does not currently have an approved requirement. The UCLV does have threshold general requirements, intended to provide advanced mobility to soldiers. The vehicle must carry approximately 3200 lbs, and be able to be air dropped.
Learn more and submit a response here:
https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=7664b529a96fd26b88d2447bb2b54c95&tab=core&_cview=0
EXFOB 2014 RFI - Tactical Energy Harvesting
Posted on: January 13, 2014; Closes on February 21, 2014
Solicitation Number: ExFOB2014(TacticalEnergyHarvesting)
The Marine Corps seeks to make remote Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) more sustainable when engaged in combat operations. To pursue this objective, the Marines hold an annual Experimental Forward Operating Base demonstration (ExFOB). ExFOB, rather than a simple tradeshow, is a dynamic process to rapidly evaluate and deploy technologies that reduce battlefield requirements for energy and water.
In current operations, there are a number of untapped energy streams that, if harnessed, could enable Marines to get more out of every gallon of fuel they use, which is why ExFOB 2014 has two areas of special interest: 1) currently available technologies that can harvest energy from Marines on patrol (including kinetic energy, body heat energy, nano tech in fabric, vibration tech, and wearable solar; 2) harvesting energy from generator waste heat. In addition, while the ExFOB team is primarily interested in these two technology areas, they are open to other energy harvesting technologies for specific applications. For 2014, EXFOB is occurring May 12-16 at Camp Pendleton, California.
Learn more and submit a response here: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=2085bc41aa6eacbf458fd2fc3e270b69
BAA - USAF Operational Energy Funding
Posted on: November 25, 2013; Closes on: January 9, 2014
Solicitation Number: BAA-RQKM-2014-0005
The Air Force accounts for slightly more than 50 percent of the total DoD energy costs, with the vast majority of this for aviation fuel. The Air Force has received approximately $37M in FY13 Research Development Test & Evaluation (RDT&E, 3600) funding to accelerate the transition of energy efficiency and alternative energy technologies to meet Air Force and the OSD energy goals.
Key Air Force offices, MAJCOMs and PEOs have identified six topic areas to address critical USAF energy needs, and they are the focus of this BAA. Topic areas include improved mission planning and operations, advanced light-weight materials or weight reduction strategies, airframe aerodynamic efficiencies and drag reduction, alternative energy or energy efficiency demonstrations, radar efficiencies and effectiveness, and propulsion improvements to the legacy fleet offer the potential of large energy savings for the Air Force.
The Air Force anticipates awarding multiple awards for this announcement and is currently soliciting unclassified white papers. Individual awards are anticipated to be in the range of $1M to $4M per contract.
Learn more and submit a response here: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=27c1a7b6e36a70a56d20722a19638630
BAA – Fuel Hedge Research
Posted on: November 12, 2013; Closes on December 22, 2013
Solicitation Number: HQ0034-OEPP-14-BAA-0001
During 2013 the DoD budgeted more than $16B to pay for fuel for military operations. While this represents approximately two percent of the Department’s budget, fuel price market volatility continues to create budget turbulence: each $1 increase in the price of a barrel of oil costing the Department an additional $105 million. In Fiscal Year 2012, fuel price volatility produced a multi-billion dollar unfunded requirement.
With this in mind, DoD requires information on the development, implementation, and operation of fuel hedging programs and alternatives to fuel hedging. The objective of this research effort is to describe a hedging program appropriate to the volatility risk exposure the Department faces and estimate the total resource commitment needed to implement that program.
The research effort should focus on determining the Department’s risk exposure and describing a hedging strategy and program appropriately sized and structured to manage the level of risk. The research effort should provide a recommendation of the percentage of the Department’s fuel purchase to hedge, the amount of hedge, the mechanisms that could be used to hedge, and the cost of establishing and maintaining the capabilities needed to administer the program.
Learn more and submit a response here: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=01ebcd4d2989609a49fd5406d13a0a57
FOA - R&D Aimed at Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions Reductions and Cost Competitiveness of Mil-Spec Jet Fuel Production Using Coal-to-Liquid (CTL) Fuel Technologies
Posted on: November 8, 2013; First Round due on: December 6, 2013
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000981
On behalf of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force, the Energy Department is seeking research projects that would lead to the commercial production of coal-derived jet fuel. Creating jet fuels from coal capitalizes on an abundant domestic energy resource and lessens our dependence on foreign oil for jet fuel production.
The Department would like to fund projects that will lead to a jet fuel with lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions less than or equal to conventional petroleum-based jet fuel production, while remaining cost-competitive.
To fuel the search, the Energy Department has issued a new funding opportunity announcement, with about $20 million earmarked for the awards. Award recipients will share in the costs of the project, providing at least 20 percent of the funds.
Areas of interest for the jet fuel projects are —
- Hybrid coal-to-liquids processes for jet fuel production.
- Process intensification for coal conversion for jet fuel production.
- Innovative non-traditional coal conversion processes for jet fuel production.
- Commercialization analysis for construction of a site specific coal-to-liquids facility
Learn more and submit a response here:
https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/?doc=DE-FOA-0000981&agency=DOE
Inland Petroleum Distribution (IPDS) RFI
Posted on: September 12, 2013; Closes on: October 28, 2013
Solicitation Number: SP0600-14-R-0500
Currently the DoD / US Army uses the Inland Petroleum Distribution (IPDS) to execute its overland petroleum distribution mission. IPDS is a rapidly-deployed, general support, bulk fuel storage and pipeline system that has a design throughput of 720,000 gallons/daily. IPDS is used worldwide to provide bulk Class III petroleum fuels to operating forces during combat and contingency operations. This pipeline system is the most effective means of moving large quantities of bulk Class III products currently in the military inventory.
The Defense Logistics Agency is specifically seeking companies who can provide contractor enhanced fuel distribution capability to meet IPDS mission requirements using either:
1) commercial capability solely, or
2) commercial capability with supporting government furnished equipment (GFE).
Learn more and submit a response here: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=37ab15b98566ad03fd96a40b8277195e&tab=core&_cview=0
R&D Aimed at Reducing Emissions and Increasing Cost Competitiveness of Mil-Spec Jet Fuel Production Using Coal-to-Liquid (CTL) Fuel Technologies RFI
Posted on: August 30, 2013; Closes on: September 30, 2013
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000981
DOE, the U.S. Air Force, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense are seeking information on new and innovative technologies for secure, clean and cost-competitive CTL-based jet fuels for military applications. DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory intends to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), which could be developed based in part on the responses to this request. Such a FOA would seek the most promising research and development projects on advanced concepts for and/or unit operations within a CTL fuels plant.
Learn more and submit a response here: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=874ff83b2b3cb87cb194f98cf3552eb9&tab=core&_cview=0
Transformative Reductions in Operational Energy Consumption (TROPEC) Evaluation Cycle 13.2
Posted on: August 22, 2012; Closes on: September 30, 2013
Solicitation Number: TROPEC-2013-2
The Transformative Reductions in Operational Energy Consumption (TROPEC) program is a collaborative Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) program which identifies, assesses, demonstrates and helps transition innovations for energy use reduction at expeditionary base camps, with a particular emphasis on tropical environments. The TROPEC 13.2 focus areas are technologies that could be used to reduce energy consumption at expeditionary bases: space conditioning, high-temperature electronics and "off-grid" internal shelter loads.
TROPEC is a collaboration under the DoD/DOE Energy Security Memorandum of Understanding and was funded in FY12, by OEPP’s Innovation Fund. You can visit TROPEC’s website at http://www.tropec.net/.
Learn more and submit a response here: https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=51b1c86ca22a34680e5a5113b50e0c37&tab=core&_cview=0
Engineered Surfaces and Materials for Drag Reduction RFI
Posted on: August 13, 2013; Closes on: September 13, 2013
Solicitation Number: RFI-RQKPC-13-03
The U.S. Air Force is seeking information on two items:
1) durable and cost effective engineered surfaces and coatings to enable drag reduction for the Air Force fleet, and
2) the possible formation of a consortium to bring together industry, academia and the government to develop standard test protocol for the testing of engineered materials and coating for drag reduction and to facilitate interactions with small business and non-traditional Department of Defense (DoD) contractors to provide materials and test articles for evaluation by the government and other industry partners.
This Air Force project was initially funded in FY12 by OEPP’s Operational Energy Capability Improvement fund. Read a blog post about all of projects selected in FY12.
Learn more and submit a response to the RFI here:
https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c3a33ffeab8a26dd13caa68ac5db8a63&tab=core&_cview=0.
Tarak Shah is Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy Plans and Programs.