Notice of Intent to Sole Source AVL TEST SYSTEMS, INC

Aberdeen Test Center requires advanced fuel measurement systems capable of high accuracy measurement in high and low fuel consumption engines used in conventional and hybrid vehicles to meet evolving fuel consumption subtest requirements and rapidly advancing technologies.

New test requirements such as anti-idle testing on large engine platforms and small, low displacement range-extender engines used in manned and unmanned hybrid platforms require fast response, no influence on fuel system design, ability to measure back flow during dynamic conditions and integrate with existing DAQ systems via Ethernet and controller area network (CAN) communications.

ATC would like to purchase two AVL FuelTron fuel consumption measurement systems, one with measurement range of -30 l/hr. to 300 l/hr, and the other with a measurement range of -10 l/hr. to 100 l/hr. at a data rate of 100 Hz. to support multiple fuel consumption tests. The required fuel consumption measurement system has been evaluated and performed tasks such as the measure the fuel consumption as well as fuel temperature, density, and feed/return pressures during dynamic operations of a test vehicle.

Vehicle engine control unit CAN inputs are processed along with the fuel consumption results to provide an accurate representation of throttle, engine, and transmission states during test events. The AVL Fueltron fuel consumption measurement system was selected after examination of other commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) systems that did not meet all performance specifications ATC required.

Additional, systems, advertised for measuring fuel consumption use less accurate fuel measuring techniques such as paddle wheels that reduce the momentum of the fluid flow and/or induce a pressure drop in the system that could influence the results from its intended design and operation.

The AVL FuelTron system meets all relevant regulatory requirements and possesses the necessary certifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and facilitating seamless integration into existing research and testing protocols. A Sole Source Letter was provided by the OEM to the Contracting Office.

As a result of these findings, there is no reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more small or large business concerns that are competitive in terms of market prices, quality, and delivery to perform this requirement. The existing AVL systems used at ATC are from the same developer, additional benefits such as personnel training and ancillary item compatibility were also considered. ATC will continue its efforts to research fuel measurement systems that are available in the future as data requirements evolve.