Power, ASA(ALT), Phase I

Tactical Micro-Grid Standard Add-On for Power Sources

Release Date: 04/16/2024
Solicitation: 24.4
Open Date: 05/16/2024
Topic Number: A244-021
Application Due Date: 06/13/2024
Duration: Up to 6 Months
Close Date: 06/13/2024
Amount Up To: Up to $250,000

Objective

Via the Tactical Micro-Grid Standard solicitation, the Army seeks to address the critical need for reliable and flexible power solutions in dynamic and unpredictable environments, including, but not limited to, directed energy. Traditional centralized power grids, or even immature micro-grids, often struggle to meet these demands due to their vulnerability to disruptions and inability to adapt quickly to changing conditions.

By introducing TMS, the Army could enable the seamless integration of diverse power sources, including renewable energy, generators and storage systems, into a cohesive network. This would facilitate the creation of resilient, self-sustaining power infrastructure capable of providing uninterrupted energy supply, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing reliance on vulnerable external grids.

Promoting interoperability and compatibility among various power sources would also streamline logistics and simplify deployment in diverse settings. This would improve mission success rates and enhance overall safety and effectiveness in challenging environments.

Description

The Department of Defense recently introduced the TMS, which requires compliant power devices to meet the standards on data types and interfaces. This leaves all power devices currently in use as non-TMS compliant. A TMS device would connect to one of these legacy components. The interface would monitor and measure the performance, sending and receiving TMS-compliant data. TMS-compliant power systems create an efficient microgrid.

Phase I

The Army will accept Phase I proposals. Selected applicants can receive up to $250,000 for a 6-month performance period. During the Phase I performance period, firms shall analyze the current state of power infrastructure and interfaces to identify specific challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Phase I should involve conceptualizing the design, outlining technical specifications and developing a plan for implementation and testing. By the end of this phase, vendors must complete a feasibility study demonstrating the viability and potential impact of the proposed solution.

Firms should also produce a report outlining the design concept, general technical approach and anticipated benefits. The result at the end of Phase I is to have a clear roadmap for development, supported by preliminary evidence of its feasibility.

Phase II

Phase II involves building upon the framework established in Phase I to develop a fully functional prototype. By the end of Phase II, firms must deliver a fully tested and validated prototype along with documentation to include Bill of Materials, Technical Data Package, software documentation and test and evaluation results.

Phase III

TMS are not yet a standard commercial product. However, the rise of microgrids and related markets, such as virtual power plants, will drive increased demand thanks to the need for interoperability and Application Programming Interface standardization. 

The Inflation Reduction Act has catalyzedvirtual power plantsand microgrids. Thesubsidization of clean energy has enabled the proliferation of microgrids. 

New technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain, will also supportmicrogrid demand. ​ 

  • Blockchain can enable peer-to-peer energy sharing among microgrids and AI/MLcan offer more efficient grid management between microgrids and VPPs. ​ 

Potential dual-use cases can include: 

  • Urban and critical infrastructureas well as remote and rural communities. ​ 
  • Electric and autonomous vehicles. 
  • Data centers and other commercial infrastructure that require high powerconsumption.

Submission Information

All eligible businesses must submit proposals by noon, ET.

To view full solicitation details, click here.

For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.

SBIR|STTR Help Desk: usarmy.sbirsttr@army.mil

Objective

Via the Tactical Micro-Grid Standard solicitation, the Army seeks to address the critical need for reliable and flexible power solutions in dynamic and unpredictable environments, including, but not limited to, directed energy. Traditional centralized power grids, or even immature micro-grids, often struggle to meet these demands due to their vulnerability to disruptions and inability to adapt quickly to changing conditions.

By introducing TMS, the Army could enable the seamless integration of diverse power sources, including renewable energy, generators and storage systems, into a cohesive network. This would facilitate the creation of resilient, self-sustaining power infrastructure capable of providing uninterrupted energy supply, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing reliance on vulnerable external grids.

Promoting interoperability and compatibility among various power sources would also streamline logistics and simplify deployment in diverse settings. This would improve mission success rates and enhance overall safety and effectiveness in challenging environments.

Description

The Department of Defense recently introduced the TMS, which requires compliant power devices to meet the standards on data types and interfaces. This leaves all power devices currently in use as non-TMS compliant. A TMS device would connect to one of these legacy components. The interface would monitor and measure the performance, sending and receiving TMS-compliant data. TMS-compliant power systems create an efficient microgrid.

Phase I

The Army will accept Phase I proposals. Selected applicants can receive up to $250,000 for a 6-month performance period. During the Phase I performance period, firms shall analyze the current state of power infrastructure and interfaces to identify specific challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Phase I should involve conceptualizing the design, outlining technical specifications and developing a plan for implementation and testing. By the end of this phase, vendors must complete a feasibility study demonstrating the viability and potential impact of the proposed solution.

Firms should also produce a report outlining the design concept, general technical approach and anticipated benefits. The result at the end of Phase I is to have a clear roadmap for development, supported by preliminary evidence of its feasibility.

Phase II

Phase II involves building upon the framework established in Phase I to develop a fully functional prototype. By the end of Phase II, firms must deliver a fully tested and validated prototype along with documentation to include Bill of Materials, Technical Data Package, software documentation and test and evaluation results.

Phase III

TMS are not yet a standard commercial product. However, the rise of microgrids and related markets, such as virtual power plants, will drive increased demand thanks to the need for interoperability and Application Programming Interface standardization. 

The Inflation Reduction Act has catalyzedvirtual power plantsand microgrids. Thesubsidization of clean energy has enabled the proliferation of microgrids. 

New technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and blockchain, will also supportmicrogrid demand. ​ 

  • Blockchain can enable peer-to-peer energy sharing among microgrids and AI/MLcan offer more efficient grid management between microgrids and VPPs. ​ 

Potential dual-use cases can include: 

  • Urban and critical infrastructureas well as remote and rural communities. ​ 
  • Electric and autonomous vehicles. 
  • Data centers and other commercial infrastructure that require high powerconsumption.

Submission Information

All eligible businesses must submit proposals by noon, ET.

To view full solicitation details, click here.

For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.

SBIR|STTR Help Desk: usarmy.sbirsttr@army.mil

Tactical Micro-Grid Standard Add-On for Power Sources

Scroll to Top