Battery RFI 2.5.26.pdf

Request for Information (RFI): Supply Rail Equipment Batteries

1. Purpose

This RFI seeks information regarding providing rail equipment batteries to the US DOT Volpe Center. A qualified vendor must demonstrate they are able to provide not just the battery, but also the protective housing, attachment hardware, and engineering drawings. Qualified vendors are requested to respond as detailed further below, which includes capability, small business classification, estimated lead time including any risks that may impact delivery, and any other industry concerns the government might consider before solicitation. The intent is to gather information to inform a possible future procurement or contract.

2. Background

The Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Research and Development is conducting research into crashworthiness of battery energy storage systems used for railcar propulsion with the main objective of evaluating protection strategies of battery enclosures. Of concern to the FRA is how the various protection strategies employed perform in resisting puncture of the enclosures, and how they mitigate the threat of a post-collision or post-derailment fire. The research will include dynamic impact testing of battery and protective structural housing, analytical modeling of battery housing under dynamic test conditions, and recommendations for battery protection strategies based on research results.

3. Scope of Information Requested

1. The Volpe Center is looking to procure a minimum of three batteries used for propulsion from suppliers of freight locomotives, passenger locomotives or multiple unit trains (MUs). US DOT Volpe Center is only interested in procuring battery energy storage systems with battery chemistries and designs that are currently being used as primary or secondary power source for locomotives or MUs. The procurement request for the batteries will also include all structural components of the battery housing, including mounting brackets and any shock absorbers that are used to affix the battery to the carbody. Engineering drawings will be requested as part of the procurement which will be used in assembly and for developing finite elements models to support the test-planning effort. Accordingly, the following information is requested from industry:

A. Technical requirements identification

• Make/model of battery capable of providing:

B. Lead time

• Lead time estimates and any issues that may impact this (such as minimum order quantities, supplier availability, manufacturing constraints, etc.):

C. Any other Risk Questions/Concerns

D. Experience and references

• Examples of similar work performed with a brief description:

E. Vendor Information:

Name:

SAM Unique Entity ID:

Point of Contact Name/Email:

The Proposed NAICS Code Classification is 335910 - Battery Manufacturing Agree Alternate Suggestion Small Business Classification for 335910 and any other alternate if suggested above:

4. Other Submission Considerations

Respondents may consider submitting the following as part of your RFI response in addition to above:

• Company profile (capabilities, facility location(s), quality certifications).

• Mitigation strategies for any risks noted above.

• Any assumptions used in your responses.

• Confidentiality statement (if applicable).