The Department of the Air Force has issued a solicitation for prototype multi-fuel power systems to back up its existing on-site power sources. The “flex fuel” prototypes DAF wants are designs that not only increase power sources and fuel options but also clean energy systems that reduce costs and minimize maintenance and operational requirements, according to the department’s Thursday Tradewinds post.
Prototype Technical Requirements
The technical specifications required for prototype proposals include power systems at between the 100-kilowatt and 1 megawatt range, with the initial design’s ideal capacity at 230kW up to approximately 460kW.
Proponents should also submit prototypes with a capacity factor of less than 30 percent, operating as a stationary platform with integration capability with current government and commercial power infrastructures. In addition, DAF seeks models that can operate using multiple gaseous fuels in varying purities, with at least one conventional fossil fuel as power source.
Video Pitches With Business Model Presentations
Interested parties on the solicitation have to submit a video pitch to the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace Opportunity Page, with May 1 as the submission’s deadline. Besides the solicitation’s technical specifications, the pitch should present a comprehensive business model defining the proponent’s prototyping goals, strategies, activities and alternatives either as a prime contractor, subcontractor or partner.
Additionally, the proposal should detail the prototype’s differences from other similar technologies and services, as well as present prototype financing plans minus the land, site control and project access cost that DAF will provide. After the proposals’ assessment, DAF may opt to negotiate with just one, some or all of the prototype proponents.
