REQUEST FOR INFORMATION, CURRENT INTERRUPTION DEVICE FOR BATTERY SYSTEMS

N00164-16-R-GS56 - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION, CURRENT INTERRUPTION DEVICE FOR BATTERY SYSTEMS - FSC 6140 - NAICS 335999 Issue Date 01 DEC 2015 - Closing Date 15 JAN 2016 - 2:00 PM EASTERN Synopsis: The United States Government (USG) is issuing this sources-sought announcement as part of a market survey. The Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane) is facilitating this work effort, which is seeking information on existing Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) or Government-off-the-shelf (GOTS) electrical current interruption devices. The device will serve as a critical overcurrent protection measure in direct current (DC) circuits comprising of battery systems downstream. The current interruption device (CID) shall automatically break and de-energize when a short circuiting incident or excess current draw situation is present within the electrical circuit. It shall be capable of achieving certain, minimum performance parameters; otherwise referred to as key system attributes (KSAs). Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to the attached (1) KSAs: Interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit an initial synopsis (commonly referred to as "white paper"). This white paper should not exceed 10 pages (exclusion of supporting information such as commercial literature, catalogues, manuals, etc.), with an executive summary (short paragraph) on the effort, a technical description, volume and weight of hardware, identification of risks, current Technology Readiness Level (TRL), and estimated cost. Interested sources should submit the white paper electronically or in hard copy to the Points of Contact (POCs) listed below. This announcement does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Quote (RFQ), or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and it should not be construed as a commitment of any kind by the Government to issue a formal solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses to this notice cannot be accepted as offers. The U. S. Government is in no way liable to pay for or reimburse any companies or entities that respond to this announcement. Any costs incurred by interested companies in response to this announcement will NOT be reimbursed. Nothing in this announcement constitutes an obligation on the part of the U.S. Government. Any information provided that is marked as proprietary information will be safeguarded to prevent disclosures to non-government personnel and entities. Information provided will not be returned to contractors. The Government may elect to visit, or host a visit, from any potential sources following the market survey. Your interest in this program is appreciated. Responding to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any potential offeror's ability to submit an offer if a solicitation is released. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of preparing submissions in response to this RFI and the Government's use of such information. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. Information may be submitted by any government or non-governmental entity including commercial firms, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering (universities), or by consortia comprising such concerns. The Crane Division encourages participation by small business, small disadvantaged business, HUB Zone small business, woman-owned small business, veteran-owned small business, and historically black colleges and universities. All responses shall be unclassified. All assumptions, including any assumed Government support, shall be clearly identified. All proprietary and restricted information shall be clearly marked. All information marked as proprietary information will be safeguarded to prevent disclosures to non-government personnel and entities. All interested parties should provide the requested information regarding this announcement no later than 1400 EDST on or before 15 Jan 2016, at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. White papers may be submitted any time prior to expiration of this announcement. Submittals after this date will still be accepted, although there is no guarantee they will be evaluated. The following e-mail point of contact is provided for information regarding technical programs/technologies of interest with the warfare areas supported by the NSWC Crane Energy, Power & Interconnect Technologies Division and for submission of white papers: Mr. Louis Stephon (email: louis.stephon@navy.mil) and NSWC Crane Contracting Office point of contact is Ms. Candy Owen (email: candy.owen@navy.mil. Please refer to the announcement number in all correspondence and communications.