Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries

The contract involves a modification to an existing agreement with Exide Technologies to support the maintenance and testing of specific submarine battery sets and Floating Shock Platform Test cells. Specifically, Exide will provide storage and boosting services for one SEAWOLF class submarine battery set and one OHIO class submarine battery set, as well as storage, boosting, and a capacity test discharge/recharge for the Floating Shock Platform Test cells. These services will be performed at Exide’s manufacturing and storage facilities in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Exide is identified as the sole provider capable of delivering these services due to their status as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the fact that the test cells are located within their facilities. This contract modification is being issued under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, which allows for a sole source acquisition when only one responsible source can fulfill the agency’s requirements. The synopsis for this contract has been posted on both the Federal Business Opportunities website and the Navy Electronic Commerce Online site to provide access to interested parties, although Exide’s unique position as the OEM makes competition unnecessary. The contracting office is the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, part of the Department of Defense, located in Crane, Indiana, and interested parties can reach out to the designated contact for further information.