Introduction: This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Notice for planning purposes. The next TROPEC application period will be open from 13 July through 30 September 2013. 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. The deadline for responses to this notice is 1200 EDT on 30 September 2013 via the online Innovations Network application which can be found at http://inet.tropec.net. General TROPEC Background: 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. The program operates with a particular emphasis on tropical environments (defined as high vegetation, high mean temperature, high average rainfall, and/or high and persistent humidity). TROPEC seeks both materiel and non-materiel solutions to reduce operational energy use. Since 2012 the TROPEC Team has reviewed multiple technology submissions received through the project's web portal (the Innovations Network or I-NET), advanced multiple technologies on to the lab testing stage, and executed field demonstrations of select technologies at military exercises in Thailand and the Philippines. In addition to quantitative data collection and evaluation, the program also collects qualitative feedback from operators and active duty military at each field exercise. TROPEC 13.2 Focus Areas: Space Conditioning: ECUs For TROPEC 13.2, innovations to space cooling for expeditionary structures (e.g. tents, "B-huts", containerized structures, etc.) are sought. Such innovations might include equipment with: higher efficiency compressors, inverter driven or two-stage compression systems, improved heat exchangers, alternative cooling strategies or cycles, heat pumps, alternate configurations such as high efficiency split systems, and advanced ECU controls. High-Temperature Electronics Innovations are sought that allow enterprise servers and communication/network equipment to continuously operate in tropical environments (up to 100°F ambient and high humidity) with no supplemental (mechanical) cooling. Such innovations might include equipment with heat-tolerant components, passive cooling, or low-power designs. Solutions are preferred that reduce the overall power consumption of the equipment, with equal or better performance, compared to standard equipment with compressor-based environmental control units. "Off-grid" shelter loads Innovations are sought that allow the internal devices in tactical shelters (primarily lighting, electronics, and other plug loads) to operate independently from the traditional AC power generation systems used at contingency base camps. The overall goal is to reduce fuel consumption by inefficient existing generators and increase power reliability/quality for critical loads in shelters. These solutions should focus on an integrated system of loads that can be powered (probably using Direct Current) from renewable sources such as PV, or from battery storage. The proposed systems do not need to include the energy generation/storage components but should describe how they interface to such components. Solutions should address as many factors in a complete system as possible, including factors such as: efficient end-use devices, efficient power distribution, standardized power connectors, and power control and communication. Other Technology Areas: Although specific focus areas have been identified for TROPEC 13.2, innovations in other technology areas that impact expeditionary energy use will be accepted through the Innovations Network (I-NET) and will undergo evaluation as well. Other technology areas include: water heating, laundries, kitchen equipment, computer/server/electronics equipment, space heating, lights and plug loads. You can find more information about the TROPEC program and the full range of solution areas of interest for the program at http://tropec.net. Innovation Readiness for TROPEC: TROPEC seeks to evaluate innovations with Technology Readiness Level of 5 or higher. At a minimum any technology submitted should be ready for component and/or breadboard evaluation in a relevant simulated environment. Submission Process and Due Date: TROPEC 13.2 application period shall be open from 13 July 2013 through 30 September 2013. Technology evaluations will be conducted on a rolling basis. Interested Offerors shall respond to this Sources Sought Notice no later than 1200 EDT on 30 September 2013. Please submit your response for this opportunity via the TROPEC Innovations Network website at http://inet.tropec.net . Any questions related to this Synopsis should be submitted via e-mail. Notice: This is a Sources Sought Notice for voluntary participation in the TROPEC technology evaluation and demonstration program. No proposals are being requested or accepted with this synopsis. This is not a solicitation for proposals and no contract shall be awarded from this synopsis. No reimbursement will be made for any cost associated with providing information in response to this synopsis or any follow up information requests. The purpose of this synopsis is to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities and qualifications available as related to the TROPEC project. Additional Information: http://inet.tropec.net Contact information:
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