Conformable Battery RFI.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

14 January 2026

Tracking No. FA8629-26-R-5005

MEMORANDUM FOR: All Qualified Vendors with SAM.gov Access

FROM: AFLCMC/WISN

Special Warfare Program Office

1895 Fifth Street

Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7200

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI) – Conformable Batteries

1. This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

2. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special

Warfare Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) is conducting market research to identify conformable batteries to power wearable hubs for special warfare personnel.

3. CAPABILITY GAP

Current batteries used are bulky and obstruct movement of special warfare operators. Additionally, current battery solution options leave the operator’s (current) battery exposed creating significant risk as the battery is more susceptible to damage by gunfire or other kinetic action. The solution shall be more streamlined and better integrate into an operator’s silhouette profile and body worn kit.

System Requirements:

- The battery shall be SMBus and SBData compliant to v1.1 as a minimum.

- The battery shall be wearable and of a size less than one (1) inch in thickness/depth and less than

11x11 inches (length/height) to allow concealable and protectable configuration within a ground operator’s/military member’s body-worn kit (within kit fabric and/or protected by ballistic plates).

- The battery unit less than or equal to 3 pounds in maximum weight (excluding cables, adapters, and charging accessories).

- The battery shall be AC/DC chargeable. Other charging capabilities include vehicle and/or solar as preferred secondary options.

- The battery should have options to connect equipment via common industry standards and easily configurable to end user’s future requirements

- The battery shall be capable of operating in extreme environments to include temperatures below

20 degrees Fahrenheit and above 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

- The battery, when fully charged, shall be capable of providing power exceeding five (5) hours of continuous use

1. INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall also include the following information:

a. Respondent Data:

Company/Institute Name

Address

Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address)

CAGE Code

Web Page URL

Pursuant to NAICS Code 335910, Battery Manufacturing, state whether the company is:

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

Economically Disadvantaged Women-

Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date:

State whether the company is domestically or foreign-owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership).

State whether the respondent is interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.

b. Responses may include but are not limited to:

1) Pictures

2) Drawings

3) Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems

4) Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements

5) Ability to deliver systems within 6 months after receipt of order

c. Rough cost estimate (i.e. rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities (this is for Government budget planning purposes and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner).

d. Indicate whether the company is currently performing this type of work/whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and

Government points of contact accordingly.

e. Indicate whether the company currently provides this type of work as a commercial solution. In this instance, “commercial item” means an item that is of a type customarily used by the general public or non-Governmental entities for purposes other than Governmental purposes.

Please indicate if this item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public; or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public. Indicate whether all materials used are compliant with the Buy American Act or Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a), as applicable.

f. Please include product warranty terms as applicable, along with any warranty limitations. If product warranty terms are not applicable, please include N/A.

g. Include any spare parts that would potentially be included.

h. Provide the details of New Equipment Training, including process and cost.

i. Describe any possible product improvements that could be made or are planned for the future for the solution.

j. Describe any risks associated with the fulfillment of this projected requirement. This can include technical or schedule risks associated with development, key performance parameters, etc.

k. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, and FAR 52.219-33, Non-Manufacturer Rule, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business. Include specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide the anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses, including foreign, will be used. If this effort is not set-aside for small business, small business utilization will be considered. Large and small businesses should provide a reasonable expectation for small business utilization as a percent of total contract value as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage.

2. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

a. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc.

to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements.

b. Responses shall not exceed 20 pages (including cover page). Include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations to provide sufficient detail. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned.

c. Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly-releasable.

d. Government-contracted contractor support personnel may handle proprietary data submitted in response to this RFI. These support personnel will have signed the same Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as government personnel.

e. If you are currently providing your proposed capability on an existing government contract, please identify the contract and a government POC.

f. Broad industry participation for this RFI is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond.

g. Please note that prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management

(SAM) database to be awarded a DOD contract; the NAICS code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at:

https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

h. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 15 February 2026 via email to:

Joseph Evans

AFLCMC/WISN

Contracting Officer joseph.evans.27@us.af.mil

Christopher Day

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager christopher.day.13@us.af.mil

Kenneth Aldrich

Engineer kenneth.aldrich.2.ctr@us.af.mil

i. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer identified above, with the other individuals identified above copied as a courtesy.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The

Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.

Joseph Evans

Contracting Officer https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM