Cooperative Research and Development Agreement: Usage of Biodiesel Fuel Blends Within Marine Inboard Engines, 78290-78292 [2011-32230]

Download as PDF 78290 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2011 / Notices know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and will address them accordingly. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this Notice as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘read comments’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Keyword’’ box insert ‘‘USCG–2011– 0914’’ and click ‘‘Search.’’ Click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. You may also visit the DMF in room W12–140 on the West Building Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. OIRA posts its decisions on ICRs online at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/ do/PRAMain after the comment period for each ICR. An OMB Notice of Action on each ICR will become available via a hyperlink in the OMB Control Number: [1625–0015]. Privacy Act Anyone can search the electronic form of all comments received in dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the Privacy Act statement regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008 issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316). Previous Request for Comments This request provides a 30-day comment period required by OIRA. The Coast Guard published the 60-day notice (76 FR 61369, October 4, 2011) required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2). That Notice elicited no comments. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Information Collection Request Title: Bridge Permit Application Guide. OMB Control Number: 1625–0015. Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Public and private owners of bridges over navigable waters of the United States. Abstract: The collection of information is a request for a bridge permit submitted as an application for approval by the Coast Guard of any proposed bridge project. An applicant must submit to the Coast Guard a letter of application along with letter-size drawings (plans) and maps showing the proposed project and its location. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Dec 15, 2011 Jkt 226001 Forms: None. Burden Estimate: The estimated burden is 10,760 hours a year. Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended. Dated: December 12, 2011. C.A. Mathieu, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Assistant Commandant for Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Information Technology. [FR Doc. 2011–32232 Filed 12–15–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [Docket No. USCG–2011–1089] Cooperative Research and Development Agreement: Usage of Biodiesel Fuel Blends Within Marine Inboard Engines Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of intent; request for public comments. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard announces its intent to enter into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Cummins, Inc., to identify and investigate the advantages, disadvantages, required technology enhancements, performance, costs, and other issues associated with using biodiesel fuel blends in marine inboard engines, with the overarching goal of reducing their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (i.e., lower carbon footprints). The Coast Guard invites public comment on the proposed CRADA and also invites other non-Federal participants, who have the interest and capability to bring similar contributions to this type of research, to consider entry into similar CRADAs. DATES: Comments and related material on the proposed CRADA must either be submitted to our online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before January 17, 2012, or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date. Proposals from parties interested in participating as a non-Federal participant in a CRADA similar to the one described in this notice (investigating the use of biodiesel fuel blends in marine inboard engines) must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before January 17, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments identified by docket number USCG–2011–1089 using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (2) Fax: (202) 493–2251. (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590– 0001. (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is (202) 366–9329. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments. Do not submit detailed proposals for future CRADAs to the Docket Management Facility. Potential, nonFederal CRADA participants should submit these documents to Mr. Richard Hansen, United States Coast Guard Research and Development Center; 1 Chelsea Street, New London, CT 06320, telephone: (860) 271–2866; email: Rich.L.Hansen@uscg.mil. If you have questions concerning this notice or desire to submit a CRADA proposal, please contact Mr. Richard Hansen, United States Coast Guard Research and Development Center; 1 Chelsea Street, New London, CT 06320, telephone: (860) 271–2866; email: Rich.L.Hansen@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Ms. Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to submit comments and related material on this notice. All comments received will be posted, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. Submitting comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (USCG–2011–1089) and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online (via https://www.regulations.gov), or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online via https:// www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2011 / Notices when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and type ‘‘USCG–2011–1089’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Viewing Comments and Related Material To view the comments and related material, go to https:// www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘read comments’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Keyword’’ box insert ‘‘USCG–2011– 1089’’ and click ‘‘Search.’’ Click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility. Privacy Act Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act, system of records notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316). Cooperative Research and Development Agreements Cooperative Research and Development Agreements are authorized by the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 (Pub. L. 99–502, VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Dec 15, 2011 Jkt 226001 codified at 15 U.S.C. 3710(a)). A CRADA promotes the transfer of technology to the private sector for commercial use as well as specified research or development efforts that are consistent with the mission of the Federal parties to the CRADA. The Federal party or parties agree with one or more nonFederal parties to share research resources, but the Federal party does not contribute funding. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as an executive agency under 5 U.S.C. 105, is a Federal agency for purposes of 15 U.S.C. 3710(a) and may enter into a CRADA. DHS delegated its authority to the Commandant of the Coast Guard (see DHS Delegation No. 0160.1, para. 2.B(34)), and the Commandant has delegated his authority to the Coast Guard’s Research and Development Center (R&DC). CRADAs are not procurement contracts. Care is taken to ensure that CRADAs are not used to circumvent the contracting process. CRADAs have a specific purpose and should not be confused with other types of agreements such as procurement contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. Goal of Proposed CRADA Under the proposed CRADA, the Coast Guard’s R&DC would collaborate with non-Federal participants. Together, the R&DC and the non-Federal participants would identify and investigate the advantages, disadvantages, required technology enhancements, performance, costs, and other issues associated with using biodiesel fuel blends within marine inboard engines. Presently available information suggests that biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME)) fuel produced from renewable sources has the potential to reduce the Coast Guard’s boat forces carbon footprint while also reducing risks to their operational readiness. Biodiesel is widely available around the country. Several States are phasing in requirements or incentives to provide a biodiesel blend containing conventional diesel for retail sale. As a result, the R&DC has concluded that biodiesel warrants further investigation as an alternative fuel. The R&DC, with the non-Federal participants, will create and employ a structured and collaborative test protocol to better understand the potential of biodiesel fuel blends within marine inboard engines. The nonFederal participants will investigate the use of at least one mutually agreed upon biodiesel fuel blend in representative inboard engines, via a sequential process that includes modifications to PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 78291 engine and fuel systems components to ensure compatibility with the biodiesel fuel, followed by controlled field tests, and finally longer-duration operational testing on actual Coast Guard boats. Party Contributions We anticipate that the Coast Guard’s contributions under the proposed CRADA will include the following: (1) Obtain, transport, and provide temporary storage for the selected biodiesel fuel blend required for the work to be accomplished under the CRADA; (2) Lead the development of the test objectives and test plan for the specific work to be accomplished under the CRADA; (3) Provide all required resources, and conduct the ‘‘field testing’’ analysis of the representative inboard engines using the selected biodiesel fuel blend, in accordance with the CRADA test plan; (4) Provide all required resources, and conduct the ‘‘operational testing’’ analysis of representative inboard engines using the selected biodiesel fuel blend, in accordance with the CRADA test plan; and (5) Develop the CRADA Final Report, which documents the methodologies, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of this CRADA work. We anticipate that the non-Federal participants’ contributions under the proposed CRADA will include the following: (1) Provide input into the Coast Guard selection of the biodiesel fuel blend to be used during this CRADA investigation; (2) Provide input into the Coast Guard-developed, CRADA test objectives and CRADA test plan; (3) Provide replacement components for the field and operational testing; (4) Provide recommendations to the R&DC for engine and fuel system modifications, such as fuel oil heaters and filters; (5) Document the modifications and recommendations in an interim CRADA report; (6) Provide inboard engine operation and performance monitoring support to the Coast Guard during the ‘‘field testing’’ analysis; and (7) Provide input into the Coast Guard-developed CRADA Final Report. Selection Criteria The Coast Guard reserves the right to select for CRADA participants all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this notice. The Coast Guard will provide no funding for reimbursement of proposal development costs. Proposals (or any other material) E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1 78292 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 242 / Friday, December 16, 2011 / Notices submitted in response to this notice will not be returned. Proposals submitted are expected to be unclassified and have no more than four single-sided pages (excluding cover page and resumes). The Coast Guard will select proposals at its sole discretion on the basis of: (1) How well they communicate an understanding of, and ability to meet, the proposed CRADA’s goal; and (2) How well they address the following criteria: (a) Technical capability to support the non-Federal party contributions described; and (b) Resources available for supporting the non-Federal party contributions described. Currently, the Coast Guard is considering Cummins, Inc., for participation in this CRADA. This consideration is based on the fact that Cummins, Inc.’s engines power Coast Guard boats in the 49-foot Buoy Utility Stern Loading (BUSL) class, which support the Short Range Aids to Navigation Mission. By virtue of the type of mission and number of boats in the class, the BUSL is considered the best candidate test platform; however, the Coast Guard does not wish to exclude other viable participants from similar CRADAs. This is a technology transfer/ development effort. Presently, the Coast Guard has no plan to procure inboard engines that operate on biodiesel fuel blends. Since the goal of this CRADA is ‘‘to identify and investigate the advantages, disadvantages, required technology enhancements, performance, costs, and other issues associated with using biodiesel fuel blends in marine inboard engines, with the overarching goal of reducing their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (i.e. lower carbon footprints),’’ and not to set future Coast Guard acquisition requirements for same, non-Federal CRADA partners will not be excluded from any future Coast Guard procurements based solely on their participation within this CRADA. Special consideration will be given to small business firms/consortia, and preference will be given to business units located in the U.S. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Authority: This notice is issued under the authority of 15 U.S.C. 3710(a), 5 U.S.C. 552(a), and 33 CFR 1.05–1. Dated: December 6, 2011. Alan N. Arsenault, CAPT, USCG, Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center. [FR Doc. 2011–32230 Filed 12–15–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:42 Dec 15, 2011 Jkt 226001 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–5487–N–19] Notice of Proposed Information Collection for Public Comment for the Housing Choice Voucher Program Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, HUD. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The proposed information collection requirement described below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. New documents included in this submission are for the project-based voucher (PBV) program and include: (1) A notice from a public housing agency (PHA) to the field office of its intent to project-base any of its tenant-based vouchers; (2) a request from the owner of a PBV project to the field office for approval to terminate a PBV HAP contract if the owner’s rent is adjusted below the initial rent; and (3) the owner’s 12-month notice to the tenants of his/her intent to terminate a PBV housing assistance payments contract. In addition, financial form HUD–52663 has been re-instated. DATES: Comments Due Date: February 14, 2012. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name or OMB Control Number and should be sent to: Colette Pollard, Reports Management Officer, ODAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 4160, Washington, DC 20410– 5000; telephone: (202) 402–0306 (this is not a toll-free number) or email her at Colette.Pollard@hud.gov for a copy of the proposed form and other available information. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arlette Mussington, Office of Policy, Programs and Legislative Initiatives, PIH, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20410; telephone: (202) 402–4109 (this is not a toll-free number). The Department will submit the proposed information collection to OMB for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as amended). This notice is soliciting comments from members of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including collection through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. This Notice also lists the Following Information Title of Proposal: Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program: Application, Allowances for Tenant-Furnished Utilities, Inspections, Financial Reports, Request for Tenancy Approval, Housing Voucher, Portability Information, Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contracts, Tenancy Addendum, Homeownership Obligations, Tenant Information for Owner, Voucher Transfers, Homeownership Contracts of Sale, Information Requirements for Additional Renewal Funding and the Project-Based Voucher program. OMB Control Number: 2577–0169. Description of the Need for the Information and Proposed Use: Public Housing Agencies (PHA) will prepare an application for funding which specifies the number of units requested, as well as the PHA’s objectives and plans for administering the HCV program. The application is reviewed by HUD Headquarters and HUD Field Offices and ranked according to the PHA’s administrative capability, the need for housing assistance, and other factors specified in the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The PHAs must establish a utility allowance schedule for all utilities and other services. Units must be inspected using HUDprescribed forms to determine if the units meet the housing quality standards (HQS) of the HCV program. PHAs are also required to maintain financial reports in accordance with accepted accounting standards. The PHA is required to submit one financial document into an Internet-based Voucher Management System twelve times a year. After the family is issued a HCV to search for a unit, the family must complete and submit to the PHA a Request for Tenancy Approval when it finds a unit which is suitable for its E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 242 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78290-78292]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-32230]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1089]


Cooperative Research and Development Agreement: Usage of 
Biodiesel Fuel Blends Within Marine Inboard Engines

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of intent; request for public comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces its intent to enter into a 
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Cummins, 
Inc., to identify and investigate the advantages, disadvantages, 
required technology enhancements, performance, costs, and other issues 
associated with using biodiesel fuel blends in marine inboard engines, 
with the overarching goal of reducing their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) 
emissions (i.e., lower carbon footprints). The Coast Guard invites 
public comment on the proposed CRADA and also invites other non-Federal 
participants, who have the interest and capability to bring similar 
contributions to this type of research, to consider entry into similar 
CRADAs.

DATES: Comments and related material on the proposed CRADA must either 
be submitted to our online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or 
before January 17, 2012, or reach the Docket Management Facility by 
that date. Proposals from parties interested in participating as a non-
Federal participant in a CRADA similar to the one described in this 
notice (investigating the use of biodiesel fuel blends in marine 
inboard engines) must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before 
January 17, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments identified by docket number 
USCG-2011-1089 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is (202) 366-9329.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments.
    Do not submit detailed proposals for future CRADAs to the Docket 
Management Facility. Potential, non-Federal CRADA participants should 
submit these documents to Mr. Richard Hansen, United States Coast Guard 
Research and Development Center; 1 Chelsea Street, New London, CT 
06320, telephone: (860) 271-2866; email: Rich.L.Hansen@uscg.mil.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions concerning this 
notice or desire to submit a CRADA proposal, please contact Mr. Richard 
Hansen, United States Coast Guard Research and Development Center; 1 
Chelsea Street, New London, CT 06320, telephone: (860) 271-2866; email: 
Rich.L.Hansen@uscg.mil.
    If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the 
docket, call Ms. Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to submit comments and related material on this 
notice. All comments received will be posted, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have 
provided.

Submitting comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (USCG-2011-1089) and provide a reason for each suggestion or 
recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online (via 
https://www.regulations.gov), or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but 
please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online via 
https://www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received by the Coast 
Guard

[[Page 78291]]

when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, 
or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by 
the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. 
We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email 
address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we 
can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and 
type ``USCG-2011-1089'' in the ``Keyword'' box. If you submit your 
comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no 
larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic 
filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know that they 
reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard 
or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during 
the comment period.

Viewing Comments and Related Material

    To view the comments and related material, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ``read comments'' box, which will 
then become highlighted in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box insert ``USCG-
2011-1089'' and click ``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in 
the ``Actions'' column. If you do not have access to the internet, you 
may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Management Facility 
in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation 
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to 
use the Docket Management Facility.

Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any 
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act, system of 
records notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, 
issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

Cooperative Research and Development Agreements

    Cooperative Research and Development Agreements are authorized by 
the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 (Pub. L. 99-502, codified 
at 15 U.S.C. 3710(a)). A CRADA promotes the transfer of technology to 
the private sector for commercial use as well as specified research or 
development efforts that are consistent with the mission of the Federal 
parties to the CRADA. The Federal party or parties agree with one or 
more non-Federal parties to share research resources, but the Federal 
party does not contribute funding. The Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS), as an executive agency under 5 U.S.C. 105, is a Federal agency 
for purposes of 15 U.S.C. 3710(a) and may enter into a CRADA. DHS 
delegated its authority to the Commandant of the Coast Guard (see DHS 
Delegation No. 0160.1, para. 2.B(34)), and the Commandant has delegated 
his authority to the Coast Guard's Research and Development Center 
(R&DC).
    CRADAs are not procurement contracts. Care is taken to ensure that 
CRADAs are not used to circumvent the contracting process. CRADAs have 
a specific purpose and should not be confused with other types of 
agreements such as procurement contracts, grants, and cooperative 
agreements.

Goal of Proposed CRADA

    Under the proposed CRADA, the Coast Guard's R&DC would collaborate 
with non-Federal participants. Together, the R&DC and the non-Federal 
participants would identify and investigate the advantages, 
disadvantages, required technology enhancements, performance, costs, 
and other issues associated with using biodiesel fuel blends within 
marine inboard engines. Presently available information suggests that 
biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME)) fuel produced from renewable 
sources has the potential to reduce the Coast Guard's boat forces 
carbon footprint while also reducing risks to their operational 
readiness. Biodiesel is widely available around the country. Several 
States are phasing in requirements or incentives to provide a biodiesel 
blend containing conventional diesel for retail sale. As a result, the 
R&DC has concluded that biodiesel warrants further investigation as an 
alternative fuel.
    The R&DC, with the non-Federal participants, will create and employ 
a structured and collaborative test protocol to better understand the 
potential of biodiesel fuel blends within marine inboard engines. The 
non-Federal participants will investigate the use of at least one 
mutually agreed upon biodiesel fuel blend in representative inboard 
engines, via a sequential process that includes modifications to engine 
and fuel systems components to ensure compatibility with the biodiesel 
fuel, followed by controlled field tests, and finally longer-duration 
operational testing on actual Coast Guard boats.

Party Contributions

    We anticipate that the Coast Guard's contributions under the 
proposed CRADA will include the following:
    (1) Obtain, transport, and provide temporary storage for the 
selected biodiesel fuel blend required for the work to be accomplished 
under the CRADA;
    (2) Lead the development of the test objectives and test plan for 
the specific work to be accomplished under the CRADA;
    (3) Provide all required resources, and conduct the ``field 
testing'' analysis of the representative inboard engines using the 
selected biodiesel fuel blend, in accordance with the CRADA test plan;
    (4) Provide all required resources, and conduct the ``operational 
testing'' analysis of representative inboard engines using the selected 
biodiesel fuel blend, in accordance with the CRADA test plan; and
    (5) Develop the CRADA Final Report, which documents the 
methodologies, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of this CRADA 
work.
    We anticipate that the non-Federal participants' contributions 
under the proposed CRADA will include the following:
    (1) Provide input into the Coast Guard selection of the biodiesel 
fuel blend to be used during this CRADA investigation;
    (2) Provide input into the Coast Guard-developed, CRADA test 
objectives and CRADA test plan;
    (3) Provide replacement components for the field and operational 
testing;
    (4) Provide recommendations to the R&DC for engine and fuel system 
modifications, such as fuel oil heaters and filters;
    (5) Document the modifications and recommendations in an interim 
CRADA report;
    (6) Provide inboard engine operation and performance monitoring 
support to the Coast Guard during the ``field testing'' analysis; and
    (7) Provide input into the Coast Guard-developed CRADA Final 
Report.

Selection Criteria

    The Coast Guard reserves the right to select for CRADA participants 
all, some, or none of the proposals in response to this notice. The 
Coast Guard will provide no funding for reimbursement of proposal 
development costs. Proposals (or any other material)

[[Page 78292]]

submitted in response to this notice will not be returned. Proposals 
submitted are expected to be unclassified and have no more than four 
single-sided pages (excluding cover page and resumes). The Coast Guard 
will select proposals at its sole discretion on the basis of:
    (1) How well they communicate an understanding of, and ability to 
meet, the proposed CRADA's goal; and
    (2) How well they address the following criteria:
    (a) Technical capability to support the non-Federal party 
contributions described; and
    (b) Resources available for supporting the non-Federal party 
contributions described.
    Currently, the Coast Guard is considering Cummins, Inc., for 
participation in this CRADA. This consideration is based on the fact 
that Cummins, Inc.'s engines power Coast Guard boats in the 49-foot 
Buoy Utility Stern Loading (BUSL) class, which support the Short Range 
Aids to Navigation Mission. By virtue of the type of mission and number 
of boats in the class, the BUSL is considered the best candidate test 
platform; however, the Coast Guard does not wish to exclude other 
viable participants from similar CRADAs.
    This is a technology transfer/development effort. Presently, the 
Coast Guard has no plan to procure inboard engines that operate on 
biodiesel fuel blends. Since the goal of this CRADA is ``to identify 
and investigate the advantages, disadvantages, required technology 
enhancements, performance, costs, and other issues associated with 
using biodiesel fuel blends in marine inboard engines, with the 
overarching goal of reducing their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (i.e. 
lower carbon footprints),'' and not to set future Coast Guard 
acquisition requirements for same, non-Federal CRADA partners will not 
be excluded from any future Coast Guard procurements based solely on 
their participation within this CRADA.
    Special consideration will be given to small business firms/
consortia, and preference will be given to business units located in 
the U.S.

    Authority: This notice is issued under the authority of 15 
U.S.C. 3710(a), 5 U.S.C. 552(a), and 33 CFR 1.05-1.

    Dated: December 6, 2011.
Alan N. Arsenault,
CAPT, USCG, Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Research and 
Development Center.
[FR Doc. 2011-32230 Filed 12-15-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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