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Re-post from January 6, 2014
ARMY HAS AWARDED AFTC....
Re-Post of Army SBIR email I received...for new eyes. (January 2014)
The response I received, from SBIR, regarding the JP-8 Army Phase II work. JP-8
Mr. xxxx (Sleeperstock),
In the SBIR portal, Topic # A08-128, has been selected and is going through contracting to be awarded.
Thank You
Army SBIR PMO
A08-128 is the Phase II
Right on! The Army through SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program has awarded over $1.3 Million to AFTC for the Phase 1 and phase 2 development of a JP-8 high pressure common rail fuel delivery system.
Viewable here:
https://portal.armysbir.army.mil/SmallBusinessPortal/Portal/SummaryReports/Default.aspx
I have previously posted an email i received in response to an inquiry to the SBIR PMO regarding the status of the Phase 2 summary report and was informed that AFTC has been selected and are in negotiations.
That would be Phase 3, commercialization. More information about the Phase 3 process can be see in this brochure
https://www.armysbir.army.mil/Commercialization/PhaseIIIBrochures.aspx
GLTA!
March 2014, Following is excerpted (emphasis added) from the article, full article link at bottom:
Trucking companies that want an alternative to diesel that eliminates particulate traps and SCR systems, but still burns cleanly in existing diesel engines, may want to take a long look at DME. Investors looking to help launch a DME transportation industry in the U.S. will have the opportunity to potentially make and save significant money by placing the right early bets on DME, Kauffmann and Riedford suggest.
This column appeared in the March 2014 edition of Fleet Equipment. You can read the entire issue on your phone or tablet by downloading the Fleet Equipment app.
http://www.fleetequipmentmag.com/dme-fuel-future/
GLTA!
That..is brilliant. I do not know what i was thinking go #team..
Divergent opinions help everyone make a better decision.
But it helps if, rather than just state a position, you say why. Helps everyone understand what you condider to be the reasons for your point.
There are probably a lot of new eyes on the board (and most certainly will be) so it's great to have people renewing DD that may have previously been posted. Thanks for the positive and informative contribution.
GLTA!
Welcome.. enjoy the ride..
Volvo has discussed the current limitation to long haul DME being only that the infra structure for refueling is only in the beginning stages. So, much like CNG .. it limits long haul for the time being.
Moving forward..and i believe the announcement coming up in the next months alluded to by the IDA about rolling out DME for transportation in North America will address this...where was I..Oh .. moving forward the easiest logistical challenge among the three blue flame fuels, LNG, CNG, DME is that presented by DME. A logistical slam dunk regarding creating an expansive refueling infratructure for long hauls. Especially for determined route hauling.
The fuel supplies can be dropped off at pre-determined fuel stops in large (low pressure, non-venting, not cryogenic) tanks on a regular or "low limit order" basis anywhere with companies currently hauling propane..pull up, un-hitch the new tanker, hitch up the empty one and go refill it! I would imagine a reange for delivery from the DME manufacturing source to be upwards of 600 miles. (hello Oberon? You listening?) Building 16 DME sources along east west and coastal interstates would provide DME to long haul trucks and cover most (I'd have to math that out) of the destinations these trucks would originate at and deliver to. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
That can be set up in weeks..with all of them added to GPS software updates or on-line mapping.
sooooo.. simple.
Oh even if DME does accidentally vent.. it dissipates and becomes inert in a matter of hours.. like it was never even there.. no greenhouse gasses..no ozone depletion..no scarey headlines...if it spills? same thing.. no dead earth..no oil booms, no hazmat teams, no floating fish.. no DME under rocks 20 years after the spill.
It truly is a "wonder-fuel".
Sorry for spelling.. Im also looking at sailboats on another website :)
Invest in AFT..the best is yet to BE!
IMHO
GLTA
I have every expectation that they are in the process of a huge transition right now, It's not a matter of selling more product, It is matter of recruiting the people and needed and financing the physical plant expansion to do the work they have on the books and upstream.
I hardly expect people are taking lunches away from their desks right now.
As far as the technology that AFTC is bringing to the table. There are no other SBIR's for this, there is no other company making a similar product, and no one else is in negotiations with the Army to get this commercialization phase going. It's a "one of".
It is not the time to be doing sales trips.
As far as Kathy's personal trips and educational goals go it is nothing i care to investigtate. My hope is that she is making plans for a life after AFTC, for herself (made weathly by here share holdings in AFTC). I believe she taught special needs kids, or has a special needs degree. She has long since deactivated her linkedin account that mentioned AFTC. I for one, recognize the support, hard work, and expertise she brought to AFTC during her time with Jim at the helm. I doubt we would be where we are without her or that is her dream to run an engineering firm.
My consulting work (Milwaukee, California, and North Carolina) for several years was specific to taking companies that were once small entrepreneurial start-ups, but had become so successful that they needed someone to build a personnel infrastructure including creating new departments, hiring new staff, promoting appropriate existing personnel, and a basic human resources framework that followed legal procedural mandates and assured all were treated fairly, and legally, during the very stessful transition...and a personnel department with appropriate professional was installed. Major slip ups during the transition can cause unneeded expense and distractions...you gotta play by the rules when you bring in outside personnel who are not part of the original company "family"..and that is not always easy.
There was one company that for a three month period I could not even allow vacations while new people were being oriented.
Talk about the "valley of death" Half the work was crunching numpers and projections for bank loans for new furniture and salaries and a few sign on bonuses. One owner used his own money for a lot of what was needed.
Everyone in the industry knew Jim.. knew what he was doing And knows what they invented. They are not going to bring anyone into the bubble by going to a macro-global-scientific or other conference .. anyone who needs it, knows about it. It's not a trade show
Sure he went to many events, spoke to leaders in Washington and around the world. He was A DME mega-star. He didnt pay for it and I would guess, if the IDA did not pay his frieght as a member of the IDA North American Affairs Commettee.. he would not have gone... He was part of building a glaboal consiousness about DME to isntall DME as a known fuel that would be accepted and to build the demand. The money shot was pumping DME/JP-8.
It takes very little research to see the people who are looking at AFTC right now... china experts, automotive engineers, even people who would do webpage and graphic design...an attorney with supply chain management experience.
Is Bosh at these conferences talking about the parts they sell? Is the tank manufacturer that Oberon uses there trying to sell their tanks? Is the part maufacuturer that makes the oil additive pump for the current Volvo DME Engines there trying to fend-off this upstart AFTC who is trying to take over the pumping DME world? Ive been to these.. One at the very same San Diego Hotel..but different industries.. Most of the people were out golfing or at the bar. Not that it was not productive.. they wanted to meet their peers and discuss business in their little "executive" bubble... and very little will be the hardware associated with the use of DME.
Business first. Take care of your own house and assure your success going forward over the next year..build..hire.. communicate with us (thanks)... complete the work the Nation Science Foundation gave you... no time for glad handing and DME events all over the globe.
GLTA
sounds more like something to do with her pesonal life than with AFTC..
how dare she
I have made my opinion clear, Luna. I'll let everyone else..should for some reason anyone really thinks it is a topic worthy of more board space, decide what they think..OK?
I see.. Kelloggs. Hmm maybe they have people for that.
I could honestly care less Luna To many postive things to look forward to continue with inane topics about who is going where or if they should.
I understand why Jim attended.. he was founder of this technology and the use of DME...he was on the North American Affairs Committee of the IDA HE was a BIG DEAL..Y'all want communication...who do you want to go and what do you want them to do at a conference that is more important than what they are doing at AFT right now? Everyone knows about them..everyone knows about Jim and the work..they are listed as one of four on the IDA website..
What would they do? Who would you send and why?
To whom are they exposing themselves? You want Kathy to give a talk on the common rail pump? I don't think that's what this is all about.
You want updates..let em stay in Michigan and do that.
C'mon
I hope so.. be foolish to go tell everyone what they already know.
That IS a great website: DME's flagship organization worldwide.
On the website click the field "About DME"
Then go to: "FAQ"
Then look at "technologies" and click the question next to it: "which companies are involved in the production and use of DME..."
There we are!
Alternative Fuel Technology....
Whoot~!
It takes a village here.. :) but thanks.
There was some concern raised last week from a poster who delved into the details outlined in the commercialization brochure.. and brought up a good question about "the valley of death" wherein some small business do not make the transition from a small company to a larger (in this case let's just say HUGE)commercial operation.
I strongly feel that the army would not be ready to contract with AFT if that were the case here. Absolutely not. And it should lay to rest any fears by reading that funding can come from a contract with the government ..and that's what we are in the middle of negotiating.. by we I men them.
Although i would like to add.. Im available to sit in and listen duringt the negotiations..and report back here? Hello? <<<crickets>>>
I may go to the DME conference in San Diego this October! May be a good time to come out of semi - retirement
Phase III - Commercialization
Commercialization is the ultimate goal of every SBIR effort. While no SBIR funding is available in Phase III, private sector funding is pursued to commercialize Phase II projects, or a federal agency may fund Phase III activities to enable its own application of the innovation. Phase III SBIR contracts do not require competition nor is a justification and approval required for sole source procurement. As early as Phase I, the SBIR Program provides two additional incentives to build strategic partners to Phase III investment and marketing.
Commercialization Pilot Program (CPP)
The U.S. Army has established its new SBIR CPP in response to the 2006 National Defense Authorization Act. The purpose is to increase SBIR technology transition and commercialization success. The Army will:
Identify and focus on a set of ongoing SBIR Phase II participants for inclusion in the CPP.
Determine the amount of additional funding from this fiscal year's anticipated $15 million CPP allocation to support the selected participants' commercialization plans developed under the CPP.
Through the SBIR Program, the CPP will help accelerate much needed technology for Solider equipment fielding. These enhanced capabilities will also benefit the Nation through stimulated technological innovation, improved manufacturing capability and increased competition, productivity and economic growth.
Looking good AFTC!
Yeah i thought it was later, I was up at 4am.... gonna be a long day... better sit this one out
GLTA!
Yup.. Navistar still teamed up with AFTC at the national Sciaence Foundation Research.
Level two..whats up with that? .0036 up and only 10k?
Never saw that dynamic here before... I thought it was thin before. And talk about strong hands.
What's your take on this Monda?
I see 10k at .0036 then 10k at .0045 then nothing till a buck. Maybe just early.
"the trends say find another ride"
They seem solid with their core business..liquifaction and distribution.. But I dont see transpostation mentioned at all in their website and if this article has any valitidy, not much of a future.
With a PPS in the $50 range..and profilts from expesive costs of investing in LNG fuel infratructure comapred with minimal use profile...they might wish to sticj with shipping it overseas or using it for tradional heating, power genereration and similar high volume end uses.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/bear-day-chart-industries-gtls-060028281.html
I applaud companies that were trying to do something with emmissions in the years prior to DME becoming a feasable Alternate Transportation Fuel. They may still have a place in non-diesel fleets that return to a fueling station for overnight refueling. Not much else.
The safety, containment, high pressure, cryogenic, infratructure and high costs of retrofit and fueling stations is just a bear for LNG and CNG. And then there is virtually no aftermarket for resale of the vehicles. $8000.00 per vehicle? Plus a very expensive pumping station?
The videos from the Vail Global Energy Summit will be available on line soon.. I think the discourse regarding those fuels was pretty clear as to which was the fuel of the future.. even from the CNG guys...
Thanks Monda
GLTA
Why DME and why not CNG and LNG?
http://www.slideshare.net/EMA_SIEW/francois-bollon-dme-a-sustainable-alternative-fuel-for-transportation
DME, if released into the atmosphere dissipates and becomes inert in hours.. posing no threat to greenhouse issues or ozone depletion. Its non toxic...we use it daily in aerosols in our homes. Unlike natural gas and LNG The DME molecule has no carbon-carbon bond.
Using solar to manufacture DME..it will actually reduce CO2 in its manufacture and use. Illiminate small particulates.
,,,please keep in mind.. DME is for diesel engines.. Delivery truck spark ignited engines really do not have the option of using DME at this time so may will have to use what they have available... and for a vehicle withy room to store the cylenders, on a fuxed dauly route, that has acess to gas lines at the base and can refuel overnight...it will provide emmisions reduction, it alsao has a large start up cost, retrofit coast per vehicle and not much resale value. Well for CNG.. LNG.. I just don't get it. Its expensive to make, hard to handle...I guess if they run the engine all day so it soes not vent...I dont think LNG has any oderant in it like gas phase so noone would smell a leak.. Not In My Back Yard. If they have an LNG storage tank..that will have to vent... methane is one of the most powerful greenhouse gasses known.. 24X more powerfil than CO2...
AFTC makes a robust high presasure common rail fuil pump for use in diesel engins.
The one disadvantage for DME at the time this article was written was consideren the low lubricity fuels effect on the common rail pump.
AFTC has fixed that with the JP-8 pump currently in negotiations with Army..and that works with DME.
http://www.righands.com/news/news-detail/cost-saving-and-clean-burning-fuels-194
From a company that has tested all three fuels
http://www.truckinginfo.com/channel/equipment/article/story/2012/05/renewable-dme-vs-us-natural-gas.aspx
I dont need any lessons in CNG or LNG.. they have been around for 20 years. Impractical. Dangerous.. and really.. a widespred use of a cryogenic liquid that has to be vented to atmosphere causing huge greenhouse issues?
Some people who HAVE an interest in LNG..or a peak shaving plant...maybe crazy enough to try a pilot plant.. but it's never has been practical and iot never will be.
Whatever the motivation is to try that on any scale has nothing to do with LNG or CNG being the best fuel...geesh even SoCalGas is working with Oberon on DME..
I converted fleets to CNG in the early 90's...I won a national propasal for a LNG truck fueling station in 1994... they are not good fuels for transportation.
LDC's wanted to sell gas... well.. sell the gas to a DME manufacturer and get out of a buisiness you never wanted to be in in the first place and use the DME made from natural gas.
Look up what happened in the USSR a few months ago when and LNG truck went up in flames.. took them 4 days to put it out..and, given a chioce, few people are goping to want 2600psi of natural gas and a regulator in the trunk of their car...and both take up way too much storage space.
20 years of the same LNG and CNG technology to date..where has it gone? What would change it?
CNG and LNG will not longer be considered for transportation fuel.
Nice to see some big guns picking the low-hanging fruit. Maybe friday..definately next week...hope there is no news between now and then..
Say WHAAAAAAAT? ;)
GLTA
Re: SBIR timeline for awards.
I had posted the SBIR framework for award closing dates and award announcement dates and read it that it would be awarded by April 1st based on the 3 months.
I have not seen it yet, I do not know if there is a lag time between the company being notified and public posting. Maybe, as the award I thought most likely to be in AFTC's wheelhouse, closed on Januard 22nd they have till April 22nd. Not sure.
i dunno.
Just a reminder on the Army work. I posted the email from the SBIR PMO that AFTC had been selected and they are now in negotiations..
Taking them long enough.
The DoD contract site will email you all the awards announced each day at about 5pm.
GLTA
I'd think most likely went into some strong and happy hands at those blocks.. welcome aboard!
Not sure I have this right. those "sells" are considered sells because someone sold at a bid lower than the current pps, right?
LOL.. SWEEEEEET! Nice to buy down the PPS on those 34's i got last week.. which were STILL an amazing buy opportunity.!!
No Hard News... the gift that keeps on giving.
Hangest Thou In Here!
All leads are GOOD leads... Thank you!
I'm with you...though I have considered myself fully invested several times over the last year, I have been incrementally expanding my top-limit based on what I consider to be AFT's expanding potential.
Look Out Below for IMHO!
I'm not surprised it has not taken off as most of what "we" know about AFT exists in our little AFTC bubble. And anyone who take a cursory look at the stock, or does not have a linear understanding of how things have progresses...well.. would not look twice.
In the last year I have poked around to some other stocks that hasve people making the most outrageous claims of pending booms. I'm sure it is not hard to get jaded about DD once you have been burned a few times by non-objective posts regarding far-reaching prognostications not based in objective facts.
Much of the DD here is a posting, a link, an email...after which, in many cases..there is IMHO and sometimes prognostications. But it all goes back to a link, and Army email, now a company statement. People who choose to invest here are not "only" making a speculation ..they are making, what to me appears to me to be a good decision based on "Occums Razor":
,
"Occam's razor is a principle of parsimony, economy, or succinctness used in problem-solving. It states that among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. Other, more complicated solutions may ultimately prove correct, but—in the absence of certainty—the fewer assumptions that are made, the better."
There are so many things that i would have to assume would not happen as they appear to be headed that for me to disregard the success of AFTC would be implausable and highly unlikely at this point. (Im not speculationg PPS, I mean at this PPS..it should be a good investmet)
I need only assume a few of the pending possibilities occur to make this a very good investment..if most occur? A great investment..if all occur?..well. this could certainly become a stock that will be legendary in penny land. One of the stocks to which all subpennies are compared.
Many look to near term contracts to make AFT - I agree...initial tie-ins, contracts, Army, SBIR's will give this stock a great boost. But keep in mind..once the Army contract annoints the JP-8 pump..that is just the beginning. That give the green light to everyone to trust that for DME and JP-8... and that is an industry that will grow exponentailly in every large diesel engines for a very long time in ships, agriculture, trucks... Across modes of transport and political barriers. We started China off with DME for bussesw, Korea too...why have they not expanded these successful projects? I believe they were waiting for the pump.
Im very certain in the success here.. and i have no problem understanding that my expectaions may very well be far short of what the future may hold.
A non reporting company stating it will act as a reporting company? Selling some stock? They are getting ready to play with the big-girls and to be judged as a big-girls. They will have a new website commensurate with their new status that was elluded to by the IDA and the IDA's executive briefing.
So..maybe we will see the new web site, prepared before they post the first of the "reportings" and statements of the new quarterly notifications.
Because there will be a lot of people looking at the "face of AFTC" and their website once news is announced...and i believe this new notification schedule is designed to be seen by more than we here... I fully expect it to be updated... And now would be the time...they have the information to be current with the goings on. I think it will be amazing.
GLTA INHO!!!
(i dont have time to spell check)
We are in great shape.
I missed the trade segment of 60 minutes last night ,, but i did catch the Tessla segment..
No one would invest in his company...and Spasex has three failed launches so he was about to go under because noone would invest. 4th lauch..if it failed her failed.. It went perfectly and he has since docked 3 times with the space station..
Oh.. right after the successful launch NASA awarded him 1.5 BILLION dollar contract.. and then private investors flooded in.
Seems to be doing ok now!
Well they put a lot of effort into it so Im guessing it pays something in the long run and spread over very many stocks.. seems a bit shady but ... I've probably gotten some cheapies in the interim..and it won't matter much soon..
I had a friend who had 4 screens set up and day traded while recovering from a ski accident and he actually did quite well... a lot of work.. but he kept busy and made some money!