Request for information (RFI)/sources sought – engineering and root cause analysis support

N00164-23-S-NB93 – REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT – ENGINEERING AND ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS SUPPORT – PSC J019 – NAICS 335910

Issue Date: 13 JUN 2023 – Closing Date: 28 JUN 2023

The Government is issuing this RFI/Sources Sought announcement as part of market research for the procurement of engineering and technical root cause analysis (RCA) and performance improvement support for the EnerSys submarine valve regulated lead acid (SVRLA) batteries on all US Navy submarines. The procurement may also include support for the Moored Training Ship (MTS) if said ship has an EnerSys battery installed upon request by the Government.

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, IN intends to award a sole-source contract to EnerSys Energy Products Incorporated, 617 N. Ridgeview Drive, Warrensburg, MO 64093-9338 in accordance with Statutory Authority of 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(a)(2) only one responsible source and no other type of supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The basis for restricting competition is the proprietary design of the batteries and the manufacturer’s ability to diagnose their own problems to keep them fielded and improve the function of future SVRLA batteries. These are a particular product to one manufacturer, and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency requirement through any other source would impact the mission.

The Government is seeking information from companies mitigating the sole-source basis listed above. Responses should include availability, budgetary cost estimate, and lead time of the solution.

All responsible sources shall submit a capability statement in the form of a white paper no longer than 5 pages. Responses shall also include a description with performance parameters and a statement of current availability, summary of prior testing, test reports, a budgetary estimate of test articles, production units, production quantity breaks, mitigation plan to the sole source rational (proprietary design and unacceptable delays) in the paragraph above, and identify other Government contracts with similar efforts for the Government’s consideration.

Responses to the Market Survey shall include the following:

Submitter’s Name

Street Address, City, State, Zip Code

Business Size

Point of Contact (POC)

POC Telephone

Announcement Number: N00164-23-S-NB93

All companies must be properly registered in the Government System for Award Management database (SAM). Contractors may obtain information on SAM Registration and annual confirmation of requirements by calling 1-866-606-8220, or via the Internet at www.sam.gov.

At the current time, NO FUNDING IS AVAILABLE for contractual efforts. This RFI/sources sought does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Quote (RFQ), or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and it should not be construed as a commitment of any kind by the Government to issue a formal solicitation or ultimately award a contract. The US Government is in no way liable to pay for or reimburse any companies or entities that respond to this announcement. Any costs incurred by interested companies in response to this announcement will NOT be reimbursed.

Information shall be submitted to NSWC Crane Contracting POC Mr. Ross Adams,

Email: ross.m.adams2.civ@us.navy.mil

Reference: N00164-23-S-NB93 in the subject line of emails in all correspondence and communications.

Any questions related to the process for submission of information shall be submitted to the NSWC Crane Contracting POC by 4:00 PM Eastern Time 28 June 2023. Responses received after 28 June 2023 may not be considered in the Government’s market research.

If any part of the submittal is classified, please contact the POC for appropriate submission information.

All information marked as proprietary information will be safeguarded to prevent disclosures to non-government personnel and entities. Your interest in the response is appreciated.