Family of Advanced Standard Batteries for Unmanned Systems - (FASTBAT-U)

Solicitation Close Date: 1/9/2025

Application: DIU Submission - Family of Advanced Standard Batteries for Unmanned Systems - (FASTBAT-U)

Project Description

Problem Statement:

As the need for reliable energy storage technologies grows, the Department of Defense (DoD) faces complex supply chain challenges. Establishing access to robust sources of National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Sec 154 and 1260H-compliant batteries, and supporting the growth of domestic battery manufacturing capacity, is of critical importance to the Defense industrial base. 

Desired Solution Attributes:

The DoD seeks fully commercialized, rechargeable battery cells that meet the performance needs of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to include Group 1 and 2, with diverse mission requirements.

The DoD seeks proven (TRL 7+, MRL 7+) solutions with recurring commercial revenue, transparent materials sourcing, and at minimum, a manufacturing pilot line and roadmap to onshore, friendshore, or scale domestic/Allied production in the 10s-100s of MWh/yr, relative to your company’s business plan.

The DoD is interested in aligning the baseline performance profile with commercial markets, whether UAS, power tools, e-mobility, or other verticals. Where there is a delta with non-military customer requirements (e.g. energy density or peak power), please specify. 

Energy Cell 

• Gravimetric energy density: 290 Wh/kg
• Nominal (continuous) discharge rate: 2C
• Minimum pulse (30-60s) discharge rate: 5C
• Minimum charge rate: 1C
• Discharge temperature: Threshold (60% capacity retention at -20°C and operable to 55°C); Objective (60% capacity retention at -40°C and operable to 55°C)
• Charge temperature: Threshold (15°C to 45°C); Objective (0°C to 45°C)
• Cycle life (+1C/-3C): >300 cycles to 80% at 25°C
• Initial internal resistance (10s 1C pulse DCIR at 30% SOC, 25°C): Threshold (<10 mOhms); Objective (<8 mOhms)
• Temperature rise: <10°C cell surface temperature rise for continuous 2C discharge at 45°C ambient

Power Cell 

• Specific energy density: 180 Wh/kg 
• Minimum charge rate: 5C continuous, 10C pulse
• Minimum discharge rate: 20C continuous, 30C+ pulse
• Discharge temperature: -20°C to 90°C
• Charge temperature: 0°C to 90°C
• Cycle life: >50 cycles

Standardization

If submitting pouch cell solutions, propose standardization (e.g. dimensions, amperage, energy density, etc.) of no more than (2) cells based on your customers and markets best aligned to the sUAS performance baseline described above, and provide justification for your recommendations.

Safety

Describe relevant cell-level safety features (e.g. characteristics of cell chemistry, safety vent, non-flammable components, or other design features reducing thermal runaway occurrence when packaged). Submissions will provide proof of certification to UN38.3, IEC 62133, ANSI C18.5M or any other applicable industry certifications. 

Supply Chain

Contractor submissions should/shall detail the following:

• Active Electrode Materials sourcing by country of origin, percentage of Bill of Materials.
• Location of cell production facility/facilities specific to submitted cell solutions.
• Technology license(s) required to produce cells submitted for consideration, and the name(s)/location(s) of the licensors of that technology.

Manufacturing and Commercial Considerations

Contractor submissions should/shall detail the following:

• Production linesTypes of cells being producedLevel of automation, quality control, customizability of production line(s)Throughput minimums to reach profitability, and maximum production capacity
• FinancingCapitalization Supplier agreementsOfftake agreements
• Localization/Scaling PlanOnshoring or friend-shoring foreign production line to United States or its Allies with respect to batteries, and associated timeframe; orScaling US/Allied-based pilot line to automated production volume of 10-100 MWh/yr, and associated timeframe
• Recurring revenues Current demand and markets (military and civilian uses)Pricing of cells in $/kWh at current and projected volumes
• Commercial risk assessmentSummary of cost drivers, e.g. for Bill of Materials, Manufacturing, Labor, or other costs.How are these costs mitigated, e.g. with partners, increasing volumes, incorporating automation, etc.Other commercial or regulatory risks, as applicable

Eligibility Requirements

Preference will be given to submissions that present a compelling solution to the problem statement and have the potential to meet the performance requirements of multiple platforms. Companies invited to pitch will be given additional Amplifying Information.

Teaming arrangements involving non-traditional commercial entrepreneurs and manufacturing partners or defense system integrators with battery labs are encouraged or can be facilitated through this solicitation process. Teaming arrangements that incorporate cell manufacturing expertise are encouraged. 

This Area of Interest solicitation will be awarded in accordance with the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process detailed within HQ0845-20-S-C001(DIU CSO), posted to SAM.gov on 13 January 2020, updated 02 October 2023. This document is available at https://sam.gov/opp/e00f6563e0c84a04adc0a36215663e15/view. 

Follow-on Production

Solution providers are advised that any prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreement awarded in response to this Area of Interest may result in the award of a follow-on production OT agreement or contract without the use of further competitive procedures. 

In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f), and upon a determination that the prototype project, or portions thereof, for this transaction has been successfully completed, this competitively awarded prototype OT agreement may result in the award of a follow-on production OT agreement or contract without the use of competitive procedures.

Awarding Process

Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) NSIN - National Security Innovation Network

Before You Submit

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Potential Follow-On Production Contract for Prototype Other Transaction Agreements

Companies are advised that any Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreement awarded in response to this solicitation may result in the direct award of a follow-on production contract or agreement without the use of further competitive procedures. Follow-on production activities will result from successful prototype completion.

The follow-on production contract or agreement will be available for use by one or more organizations within the Department of Defense. As a result, the magnitude of the follow-on production contract or agreement could be significantly larger than that of the Prototype OT agreement. All Prototype OT agreements will include the following statement relative to the potential for follow-on production: “In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f), and upon a determination that the prototype project for this transaction has successfully been completed, this competitively awarded Prototype OT agreement may result in the award of a follow-on production contract or transaction without the use of competitive procedures.”