The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center plans to issue a NASA Research Announcement for fundamental research and development of battery cell components leading to the development of new lithium-based batteries for energy storage for the next generation of NASA aerospace vehicles, including Altair (the Lunar Lander), Extravehicular Activities, and Lunar Surface Systems (rovers and other surface assets).
Advanced lithium-ion batteries that are safe and possess high specific energies are needed to meet mission requirements. The energy storage subsystem must have minimal mass while meeting the power requirements of the spacecraft, without compromising safety. At the cell level, developed cell chemistries and concepts shall deliver specific energies of at least 260 Wh/kg at C/10 and at 0 degrees C to 100% depth-of-discharge and shall be capable of meeting power requirements while operating at 0 degrees C to +30 degrees C. Maximum continuous discharge rate requirements are expected to be between C/5 and C/2. Charge rate requirements will be benign. Cycle life requirements are 100 to 200 cycles to 80% depth-of-discharge with at least 80% of the initial capacity remaining at end-of-life.
Battery cell components of interest for meeting the desired cell-level performance requirements include negative electrodes with potentials more positive than lithium metal or lithiated carbon, such as silicon-based materials; positive electrodes such as lithiated layered transition metal oxides with high positive potentials to achieve cell-level specific energy goals; safer electrolytes that are also stable at voltages up to 5.0 volts versus Li/Li+, shut-down separators, and advancements to the aforementioned components or other individual components that can improve the inherent safety of a cell.
The ANTICIPATED release date of the NRA is on or about May 30, 2008 with anticipated offer due dates of on or about June 29, 2008 to July 14, 2008. It is anticipated that the NRA will result in awards with values of $100,000.00 to $300,000.00. However, each offeror should propose a budget which accurately reflects their proposed research effort.
The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26.
Interested organizations may submit their capabilities and qualifications to perform the effort in writing to the identified point of contact not later than 4:30 p.m. local time on May 26, 2008. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the government.
Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice.
All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency.
An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B".
Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below.
