Lithium Ion Battery Bank

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering Research and Development Center – Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC-CERL) in Champaign, IL has a requirement for a battery bank that is compatible with Army generators to support an existing off-road Soldier sustainment system that has been developed by ERDC.

ERDC-CERL intends to award a purchase order on a sole source basis to Zero Alpha Solutionsin accordance with FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).

Market research indicates that Zero Alpha Solutions is the only source for this requirement because the objective of the Battery Thermal Management for Life Extension, Energy Recovery, and Signature Reduction project is to increase Soldier lethality, reduce exposure to attack, and extend operational reach by developing new battery systems that integrate atmospheric water generation technology to aid in cooling and reducing heat signatures while using tactical fuel-powered generators. Limiting the required number of resupply trucks allows the Army to better meet the current goal to operate a BCT (3000 personnel) for 7 days without supply of water, fuel, or ammo. This reduces the need to stay within close range of supplies and therefore increases brigade mobility. In order to meet this requirement it is necessary that battery banks be implemented to ensure efficient and reliable operations during stops and while traveling between locations.

It is critical to obtain a specialized battery capable of meeting the rugged needs of mobile military operations with specific compatibility for an existing unique Soldier sustainment system that was recently developed by US Army ERDC.  After conducting market research on the mandatory sources in to be considered in accordance with FAR 8.002(a)(1) as well as commercial options available, the government has determined that the only acceptable source for acquisition is Zero Alpha Solutions.

Specifications of the battery bank required are:

• 20 kWh usable storage
• Connectivity to Army 208 V – 3 Phase generator to include battery management system with automated charging and battery protection controls
• Durability to withstand outdoor environments and off-road mobility requirements
• Footprint less than 5 ft by 5 ft
• Run (power supply) time of 4 hrs at 5 kW
• Charge time of 4 hrs
• Lithium-Ion battery chemistry
• Silent operation

Delivery no later than 60 days after contract award to: 2902 Newmark Dr, Champaign, IL 61822.

This is not a small business set aside. 

This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotations; however interested parties may identify their interests and capability to respond to this requirement. Any interested party that believes they can fulfill this requirement should submit a capability statement to be reviewed. All submissions will be considered, however there is no guarantee that submissions in response to this notice will be in any way alter the Government’s acquisition strategy.

Please provide responses to this notice no later than the Response time listed above in this notice, to:

CERL-CT_QUOTES@usace.army.mil

Telephone responses will not be accepted.

Responses to this notice will not be considered as a response to any solicitation, a request to be added to a prospective offers list, or to receive a copy of any solicitation.  A determination by the Government not to compete the contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.