The Technology Applications Program Office, Fort Eustis, VA, is seeking small, lightweight batteries for an existing weapons system. Offerors are invited to provide comments concerning the feasibility of the specifications listed below. The batteries must fit in existing battery compartments currently holding heavier sealed lead acid batteries and supply power and discharge rates as identified below. It is anticipated these batteries will be a Lithium-Ion type in order to achieve the safety, weight, size, and power requirements. However, other types may be considered if they can meet all specifications. The batteries will undergo strict safety qualification in order to be approved for flight aboard military rotary-wing aircraft in the crew compartment. Batteries will be subjected to multiple penetrations by solid metal objects and gun-fire in all three axes as well as harsh environmental stresses. The ability of the batteries to resist explosions, fires, and thermal runaway while subjected to destructive tests is critical. The chemical composition of the batteries should be such that it resists these negative conditions upon penetration. Size: The maximum battery dimensions desired are: Length: 9.8” (NATO standard aircraft battery connector on long axis on the side) Width 8.3” Height: 7.60”. Voltage: The aircraft is a 24VDC system. Nominal voltage required is 24-28VDC and may not exceed 32VDC. The battery management unit must regulate voltages within these parameters while protecting against both high and low voltage hazards associated with extreme battery voltage states. Minimum Amp-Hour rating: 14AH. Desired Amp-Hour rating 40AH+ (based on a 2 year end of life rating). Max discharge rate: The battery must support the “in-rush” current required by the weapon system. Minimum discharge rates must support: 500 amps for 5 milliseconds or more; 120 amps for 0.5 Seconds or more; continuous discharge must be 100 amps. Operating Temperatures: Operations are regularly encountered from -37 Celsius to +60 Celsius with extremes of -55 Celsius to +73 Celsius. Battery storage temperature range is -55 Celsius to +85 Celsius. Weight: 35 lbs or less per battery is required. 20 lbs or less is desired (this includes battery cells and management unit). It is anticipated that 1,800 batteries will be required over a five year period. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. All responses must be emailed to the contracting officer at
[email protected]. Interested companies must submit a Statement of Capabilities that addresses current and future products, technical expertise, production capability, research and development capability, and facilities. Offerors are invited to provide comments concerning the feasibility of the specifications above. Firms responding to this announcement should indicate their business size and should also indicate if the firm is foreign-owned. Provide a listing of any previous government contracts. The North American Industry Classification System (NAIC) code 335912 Primary Battery Manufacturing applies to this acquisition with a size standard of 1,000 employees. All parties are asked to provide a telephone number, an e-mail address, and a facsimile number in their response. Information marked proprietary will be protected and will not be divulged unless mandated by existing laws.