99 -- GSA Great Lakes Region - Request for Information Re: Purchase & Installation of a Fuel Cell

The General Services Administration (GSA) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for the purchase and installation of a fuel cell consisting of 100 kilowatts (kW) or larger. GSA requests all interested and qualified parties submit information that addresses the below-listed comments and criteria. 1. GSA is contemplating the installation of a fuel cell of 100 kW or larger at the Ralph B. Metcalfe federal building, 77 W. Jackson St., Chicago, IL 60604. This fuel cell would be wired to certain electrical circuits within the building to provide power during the day and shall be wired to the electrical grid for feeding surplus electricity into the grid after building hours. 2. The best fit for a fuel cell at this location would be a cell that also generates excess heat so that development of a combined heat and power design could be considered. There is a natural gas feed to this building, however consideration will also be given to cells that use sources other than natural gas as the primary fuel mix. 3. This building houses as a major tenant, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and also is designated as a "Federal Energy Saver Showcase Facility." As an "Energy Saver Showcase" building, this facility has photovoltaic solar panels on the roof and generates substantial interest from business, industrial and civic groups who tour the facility. 4. It is GSA's desire to partner with a business entity that would be willing to absorb some portion of the project costs in return for guaranteed exposure (publicity) through the Federal Energy Saver Showcase Program, as well as a potential for selling directly to all federal government agencies through the Federal Supply Schedule. This partnership could encompass one or more entities such as fuel cell distributors and/or manufacturers; energy providers such as Utilities; energy services companies or some combination thereof. The partnership could include a purchase and installation agreement or some other arrangement such as a lease/purchase option. Other "buy-in" ideas are encouraged to be submitted with your information. In the case of information submitted by firms other than fuel cell manufacturers, such as Utilities and energy services companies, include data on the fuel cell firm and equipment that is intended to be used. 5. As this is a RFI, the government also wishes to accept information from entities that may not be able to enter into a cost-sharing partnership. 6. Interested parties should also include in the RFI basic information regarding your firm, such as: a. Length of Time Company has been incorporated. b. Capitalization of company. c. Proof that your firm is currently in production of fuel cells 100kW or larger such as technical and market data; or as with Utilities and energy services companies, documentation that you are currently or propose to be in a contractual relationship with a fuel cell manufacturer. d. If your company is in beta besting of fuel cells 100 kW or larger and are not currently in production, provide your company's history as requested in Items (a) and (b) above, along with a comprehensive time line for production. The government shall review all submissions submitted. In the event submissions indicate a positive atmosphere for further action, the government may formally issue a solicitation or Request for Proposals. The submission of a RFI has no contractual authority and is not binding on either party. Information submitted shall be held in confidence by the government. Please submit your RFI by 4:00P.M. (EST), June 14,2002 to the following address: Larry A. Lewis General Services Administration Suite 209 670 Morrison Road Columbus, Ohio 43230 Questions concerning the RFI may be directed to Mr. Larry Lewis at (614) 469-7350.