A -- DUAL-FUEL SNOW COACH TECHNOLOGY

Notice Date

February 22, 2001

Contracting Office

Bechtel BWXT Idaho,LLC, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3521

ZIP Code

83415-3521

Solicitation Number

Cbd120

Response Due

March 5, 2001

Point of Contact

Kerry Klingler

E-Mail Address

Kerry Klingler (klinkm@inel.gov)

Description

A : Dual-Fuel Snow Coach Technology. This is a potential technology development and commercialization opportunity with Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC (BBWI), the prime operating contractor for the Department of Energy at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). BBWI is seeking parties interested in the development and fabrication of a prototype dual-fuel snow coach. In this project, BBWI is collaborating with the National Park Service which is interested in the development of such vehicles for use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and potentially other national parks. Increasing public demand for winter access to the parks has created a significant need for more and better snow coaches. The unit shall incorporate a state-of-the-art 8 to 20-passenger enclosed snow coach design with a fuel tank, fuel delivery system, and an engine capable of dual-fuel operation (i. e., the vehicle shall use alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas, E85, and bio-diesel as well as conventional gasoline or diesel). The coach is to be designed to maximize utility as a tourist vehicle in such areas as ease of boarding and maximum scenery viewing ability. In addition to the coach development, the project shall include development of a rubberized track system for the coach to be used on groomed trails or pavement. To be considered for this project, the supplier must provide demonstrated capability to provide vehicles in production scale facilities and to support fleet owners with replacement parts and services. The supplier shall finance the personnel, materials, and other costs necessary to develop, fabricate, and test the prototype. BBWI shall be contributing to the project its experience in alternative fueled vehicle technology development, fuel system conversions, fleet operations, and testing. BBWI shall also function as the technical interface between the National Park Service and the supplier. This Request for Interest (RFI) shall close to response 10 days after publication. Interested parties should send written expressions of interest to Kerry Klingler, BBWI, ROB 1, 2525 North Fremont, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415-2110. For questions prior to submittal, e-mail Mr. Klingler at klinkm@inel.gov. The written expression of interest should address capabilities, experience, shallingness to participate, and potential funding commitments directed toward the design and demonstration of a vehicle. Submissions should be limited to 10 pages including appendices and attachments. BBWI shall entertain expressions of interest reflecting collaboration among different companies bringing multiple technologies and fields of expertise together into an integrated product as well as submissions by individual companies with the appropriate resources. This RFI does not commit BBWI to any future procurements or relationships.

Web Link

Idaho National Engineering & Environmental Laboratory (http://www.inel.gov/procurement/litco/index.html)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010226/ASOL006.HTM (W-053 SN50E3F6)