Synchrotron Beamtime for Li-ion Cell Thermal Runaway Experiment

NASA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center has issued a Special Notice for synchrotron beamtime services to conduct Li-ion cell thermal runaway experiments. The procurement involves a sole source contract award to the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France, which NASA has determined to be the sole provider capable of delivering the specialized high-speed X-ray videography research services required. The contract will utilize FAR Part 12 and Part 13 procedures under NAICS code 541714 for Research and Development in Biotechnology, with performance activities to be conducted at NASA Johnson Space Center. This Special Notice serves as a synopsis to inform potential contractors of NASA's intent to proceed with a sole source award while providing an opportunity for other organizations to demonstrate their capabilities.

The primary objective of this procurement is to obtain 96 continuous hours of synchrotron beam time during Fall 2025 to conduct approximately 100 individual Li-ion cell experiments examining thermal runaway mechanisms, internal short circuits, and protection systems within a Fractional Thermal Runaway Calorimeter. The technical requirements demand high-energy X-ray conditions (60-100 keV), high-speed imaging capabilities exceeding 2000 frames per second, specialized facility infrastructure including fume hoods and waste disposal services, and accommodation for 20 kg sample positioning equipment. Organizations interested in demonstrating their qualifications must submit written capability statements to the primary point of contact, Cara Craft, no later than 1 p.m. Central Standard Time on August 14, 2025. NASA will evaluate these submissions solely to determine whether to proceed with competitive procurement procedures, though the final procurement decision remains at the government's discretion, and oral communications will not be accepted.