RFI for Space Lithium-Ion Battery Cell Suppliers

Space Battery Cell Supplier Questionnaire 1. Purpose/Objective The objective of this Request for Information (RFI) is to determine the ampere-hour sizes of space Lithium-Ion battery cells that (1) are used by satellite/spacecraft/missile/target/launch vehicle manufacturers, (2) are sold by satellite/spacecraft/missile/target/launch space battery cell suppliers, and (3) will be used by satellite/spacecraft/missile/target/launch vehicle manufacturers in the next four (4) years. This RFI references tasks designed to evaluate standardization of specific sizes/capacities in the Li-ion space cell market. 2. Background Problem - At present, most space battery cells are specially-engineered components made in small batches with little hope of achieving high-rate production. With over 37 specially-engineered options, the manufacturer of each space cell is essentially a - sole source. The current low-rate production sole-source approach is a factor in launch delay and degradation/failure of USAF space missions. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space Standard AIAA S-144-201X - U.S. government organizations use community standards through the National Institute of Standards and Technology and are sanctioned through the American National Standards Institute. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) produces such standards. the AIAA standard entitled - Qualification and Acceptance Tests for Commoditized Space Battery Cells, AIAA S-144-201X, has three key goals of interest to the USAF: (1) standardize drop-in replacement space battery cells from multiple manufacturers to reduce costs by stimulating an economy of scale for these products and minimize schedule delays, (2) make batteries modular and scalable, minimizing costs by reducing the need for changes in mission-specific battery design, assembly, documentation, non-recurring engineering, and requalification, and (3) enable quick, new chemistry transitions into the space market using that standardized cell as a transfer vehicle into existing battery modules. These features appear to reduce schedule risk in research, development, productization, qualification, and manufacturing. The USAF is taking leadership and conducting this study to offer recommendations to the AIAA for the next standardized cell size for potential qualification to AIAA S-144-201X. Drop-in Replacement Battery Cells for the Space Industry - since the 1890s, the U.S. has successfully standardized - AAA, - AA, - C, and - D size cells, and new terrestrial chemistries are routinely commoditized and transitioned into children's toys simply by placing them into these standardized cells. Using a similar - commoditization model for space, AIAA S-144-201X standardizes the IEC 61690-designated - 18650, - 26650, - 21700 and - 5781173 cells. Some of these cells are in the process of partial qualification to the AIAA S-144-201X protocol, others are becoming fully-qualified. Under current USAF acquisition strategies, USAF prime contractors typically select sizes of space battery cells for USAF missions. A number of those prime contractors indicate they are developing or utilizing standardized battery modules, supporting goals (1) and (2). Quick TRL 5 Transition to TRL 6 - The starting point for new technology inclusion in a SMC mission of record is TRL 6. For the researcher or technology developer, and in support of goal (3), qualifying standard-sized battery cells with AIAA S-144-201X and placing them in qualified battery modules, enables quick transition of new cell chemistries from TRL 5 to TRL 6. Where battery technology transitions have typically taken 10-15 years per new chemistry since the 1960's, this approach allows newly-developed chemistries to be - dropped in through the 5781173 - transition vehicle into qualified battery modules in 4-5 years. Demonstrating this approach under a Rapid Innovation Fund program, the USAF sponsored and is executing the qualification of a new long-life space chemistry this year in the 5781173 size for proposed inclusion in a program of record in 2023. Discussion - both supply chain stability and new technology development are of vital interest to the USAF. The implementation of standard cells is of great interest to future USAF cell development investment programs and for implementation in existing USAF programs of record. Summary - there are multiple benefits to the USAF by commoditizing standard cell sizes for space missions and the USAF seeks more information on the interest of suppliers to participate in such a market. 3. Response Details The USAF will consider all responses (from both domestic and international organizations) and acquisition strategies available to develop this market approach. Through this RFI, the USAF is seeking strategic information, collaboration opportunities, and technical inputs required to assist in the formulation of standard cell size specifications and an acquisition strategy that includes determining the most desirable methods for performing collaborative development, to include technical/cost sharing with industry via cooperative agreements, FAR-based contracts, SBIR grant development, and other agreements. Small and small disadvantaged business are encouraged to respond. The supplier meets the RFI requirements by simply by responding to the questionnaire in Appendix A. 4. RFI Response Instructions The USAF seeks responses to the questions in Appendix A, included below. Partial responses are welcome. Responses will be used to aid the USAF in planning and prioritizing future research, development, productization, and qualification. The USAF has no intention to publicly disclose Respondents' proprietary information obtained in response to this RFI. Proprietary and export-controlled information should be marked appropriately in any response to this RFI. To the full extent that it is protected pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and other laws and regulations, information identified by a Respondent as "Proprietary or - Confidential" will be kept confidential. DO NOT INCLUDE CLASSIFIED INFORMATION IN ANY RFI RESPONSE. It is emphasized that this RFI is NOT a Request for Proposal, Quotation, or Invitation for Bid. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only, subject to FAR Clause 52.215-3 titled "Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes," and is NOT to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contractual and/or binding agreement, nor will the Government pay for information solicited. Two information telecons, with opportunity for questions and answer will be held on: Wednesday, October 21, 2020, 11:00 am PT, Telecon number 410-874-6300, Conference PIN 236497233 Thursday, October 22, 2020, 11:00 am PT, Telecon number 410-874-6300, Conference PIN 236497233 After responding to the questionnaire, the Government may request follow-on discussion with one or more respondents, at the Government's discretion, to obtain clarification or additional detail of the material submitted. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the review. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the FedBizOpps website. It is the responsibility of any potential offerors/bidders to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. The Point of Contact (POC) for questions regarding this RFI is: Mr. Dan Romm, email address: daniel.romm.1@us.af.mil 5. Schedule All responses to this RFI may be submitted via e-mail to daniel.romm.1@us.af.mil or by close-of-business (COB) Friday, October 30, 2020. Files may be submitted in MS Word or PDF format. Paper submissions will not be accepted. All responses should be no more than ten (10) pages including text, graphs, charts, tables, illustrations, and other figures. A page is defined as one (1) sheet 8 - x 11 inches using a minimum of 12-point font size for text. Appendix A, Battery Cell Capacity Questionnaire Please answer as many questions as possible (10-page limit). Information About Your Organization Company Name. Ownership status - US/Foreign/Multi-National. Name, title, and Technical Point of Contact Information for a U.S. Person (i.e. U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident/Green Card holder) Representing the Company. Name, title, and Contracts Point of Contact Information for a U.S. Person (i.e. U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident/Green Card holder) Representing the Company. Address/Location. Size of business (large, small, small disadvantaged, 8(a), veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned and/or women owned or HUBZone, etc.). Years in business. Battery Cell Capacities Used/Sold in Present Space Products Provide information on cell capacity and percentage of cells used of this capacity as a function of overall cell usage/sales (only answer for non-zero values, and provide best estimates) % of 10-15 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 15-20 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 20-25 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 25-30 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 30-35 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 35-40 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 40-45 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 45-50 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 50-55 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 55-60 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 60-65 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 65-70 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 70-75 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 75-80 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 80-85 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 85-90 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 90-95 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 95-100 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 100-105 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 105-110 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 110-115 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 115-120 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 120-125 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 125-130 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 130-135 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of 135-140 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers % of >140 Ah space cells used in your products or sold to your customers Estimate of Battery Cell Capacities used/sold in Future Space Products Using the same capacity ranges in question 2, provide an estimate of the capacity/size products your organization projects to be used/sold in 2023.