Design, assemble, screen, and deliver Li-ion cells in 4680 format capable of > 265 Wh/kg in specific energy and implant an on-demand, internal short circuit device in a subset of them.

NASA Shared Services Center has issued a sole source Special Notice seeking design, assembly, screening, and delivery of lithium-ion cells in 4680 format capable of greater than 265 Wh/kg specific energy with on-demand internal short circuit devices implanted in a subset of cells. The procurement is restricted to authorized resellers only and represents a non-competitive acquisition targeting specific technical capabilities. The notice indicates NASA intends to contract with Edward Buiel Consulting LLC, though documentation also references Coulometrics LLC as the selected vendor with existing NASA contracts and proven expertise in high-energy cell design and internal short circuit device implantation. The opportunity falls under NAICS code 335910 for Battery Manufacturing and PSC category AJ12 for General Science and Technology R&D Services. This procurement leverages FAR Parts 12 and 13 procedures for acquiring commercial items and services.

The primary objective is to obtain 61 specialized lithium-ion cells meeting precise specifications including minimum 25Ah capacity and dimensional requirements of 46.0±0.2mm diameter and 80.0±0.2mm height, with 12 cells containing implanted internal short circuit devices for testing purposes. Interested organizations must submit capability statements and qualifications in writing to the primary point of contact by 8:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on September 19, 2025, with delivery required within 90 days of contract award. The sole source justification emphasizes that developing comparable 4680 cell design capabilities would cost over $600,000 and require more than 1.5 years, making competition impractical. NASA will evaluate submissions solely to determine whether to conduct the procurement competitively, though the final decision remains at the government's discretion. The selected contractor must demonstrate compliance through comprehensive testing protocols including thermal runaway effectiveness verification and shipping safety confirmation at different charge states.