Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought for Group 31 C/H Batteries and Cells

N0016424SNB18 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT GROUP 31 C/H BATTERIES AND CELLS PSC 6130 NAICS 541715 Issued Date: 13 NOV 2023 Closing Date: 27 NOV 2023 MARKET SURVEY SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS: The Government is issuing this RFI/Sources Sought announcement as part of market survey for battery chemistry found within the Group 31 Capacity/Hybrid Batteries and Cells (P/Ns: C-00008, Z-901C1, BS-0006, TEMP16, C-00009, Z-902H1, and BS-0007). Naval Surface Warfare Cent, Crane Division located at Naval Support Activity, Crane, IN intends to award a sole source contract to Aesir Technologies, Inc., Joplin, Missouri. This effort will be conducted on a sole source basis in accordance with the statutory authority 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1. The basis for restricting competition includes the following: a lack of sufficient technical data, duplicative cost to the Government that the Government expects will be norecoverable through use of competition, and the unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency requirement through any other source. The Government is seeking information from companies mitigating the sole source basis listed above. At this time, the Government is in the process of initiating procurement for the acquisition of the following small-cell batteries (Group 31 C/H Batteries and Cells (P/Ns: C-00008, Z-901C1, BS-0006, TEMP16, C00009, Z-902H1, and BS-0007). These batteries are an integral component of an on-going Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, which has maintained a direct relationship with Aesir Technologies, Inc. Any entity responding to this Sources Sought notice is kindly requested to provide explanation on how the proposed battery chemistry will alleviate the necessity for further testing, qualification, and other additional duplication of costs. Response should include the following: technical data sheets, interface contract documentation (including size/weight/power), historical evidence of environmental qualification and testing suitable for a military seaborne environment, technology readiness level, availability, budgetary cost estimate, lead time of the solution, as well as whether a demonstration unit can be provided to expedite the decision-making process. This submission may be in the form of product literature, operating instructions, and/or supplemental technical documentation that define the item(s) and associated hardware. Potential sources should also provide any test results on the item(s) if applicable. Submissions may be sent by any government or nongovernmental entity including commercial firms, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education with degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering (universities), or by consortia comprising such concerns. Responses from Small and Small Disadvantaged Business firms are highly encouraged. Firms responding should indicate if they are a small business, a socially and economically disadvantaged business, 8(a) firms, historically black colleges or universities, and minority institutions. Responses to the RFI shall include the following: Submitter's Name Street Address, City, State, NINE-Digit zip code Point of Contact (POC) POC Telephone and facsimile numbers Announcement Number: N0016424SNB18 Contractors must be properly registered in the Government System for Award Management database (SAM). Offerors may obtain information on SAM registration and annual confirmation 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 sources sought synopsis 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. White papers may be submitted any time prior to expiration of this announcement. The following e-mail point of contact is provided for information regarding technical programs/technologies of interest within the warfare areas supported by the VASWA Program and for submission of white papers: Mr. Braxton Taylor, braxton.taylor@navy.mil. All changes that occur will be posted to the SAM.gov website. Please refer to announcement number N0016424SNB18 in all correspondence and communications.