EPA - Analysis & Modeling of Mobile Source Fuels, Emissions, & Methods Of Contro

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the General Services Administration (GSA), is conducting market research to support its Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ). The OTAQ is tasked with fulfilling regulatory and assessment responsibilities as outlined in the Clean Air Act, focusing on reducing emissions from mobile sources. This initiative aims to investigate and mitigate the environmental impacts of emissions from various vehicles and engines, including light-duty, heavy-duty, marine vessels, aircraft, and nonroad equipment. The EPA seeks contractor support for technical analyses related to mobile source fuels, emissions, and control methods.

The scope of work involves comprehensive analysis across several domains concerning mobile sources. This includes evaluating emissions from tailpipes, upstream fuel production, full life-cycle emissions, and other sources like crankcase losses and brake wear. Mobile sources encompass a wide range of vehicles such as on-highway vehicles, marine vessels, locomotives, aircrafts, as well as nonroad equipment powered by various types of engines including hybrid and electric ones. Additionally, the work will cover an array of fuels such as conventional gasoline and diesel fuel along with alternative options like methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells among others.

One primary task is Fuels/Energy Analyses which includes energy sector modeling for both initial production phases like petroleum extraction or biomass harvesting and downstream activities such as refinery operations. For instance, contractors will assess factors affecting crude oil production costs or explore sustainable biomass harvesting techniques that maintain soil health while enhancing efficiency. Downstream tasks may involve modeling refineries to understand how regulatory changes impact fuel quality or production costs when blending biofuels with traditional fuels.

This research will also extend into areas such as air quality assessments regarding human exposure risks or economic impacts tied back into industry characterization efforts aimed at understanding broader implications across sectors influenced by these regulations. Ultimately this initiative strives toward crafting informed strategies that align with national goals for cleaner air standards while supporting technological advancements within energy sectors related directly back into transportation networks nationwide.