Ultrasound scanning of li-ion cells to detect lithium plating

NASA is seeking a sole-source contractor under FAR Part 12 to perform non-destructive ultrasound scanning of 38 lithium-ion 18650 cells to detect lithium plating, a critical failure mode affecting battery safety and longevity. The work involves electrochemical cycling of 28 defective cells and 10 control cells under tightly controlled conditions—maintained at 25°C ±1.5°C with voltage limits of either 3.52V–4.03V or 3.85V–3.87V, both within ±0.05V tolerance—while applying C/6 discharge rates and periodic DCIR pulses. Subgroup 1 will undergo 600 cycles at 62% depth of discharge with ultrasound scans every 100 cycles, while Subgroup 2 will follow a Low Earth Orbit profile of up to 4,320 cycles with scans every 400 cycles. All cells, classified as Class III Non-Flight Hardware, must be stored in a humidity-controlled environment below 50% RH and packaged in foam as shown in referenced figures. The contractor must conduct baseline and periodic ultrasound scans at their facility in Houston, Texas, complete all testing within 12 months of receiving the cells, and provide detailed reports and post-scan debriefs to NASA to identify plating-prone cells for potential destructive analysis. Final acceptance occurs at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, with NASA covering all inbound and return shipping costs. The procurement is conducted as a commercial item acquisition using sole-source authority under FAR 12.102(a), with no competitive evaluation factors, pricing details, or formal section K certifications required. The solicitation number is 80NSSC26930445Q, with responses due by May 1, 2026, and all submissions must be sent via email to Cara Craft at NASA Shared Services Center. No MIL-STD packaging or labeling requirements are specified, and no contract value, payment instructions, or accounting codes are provided as this is a market research notice.