Battery Fire Testing System

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment B - Clauses, Instructions to Offerors, and Evaluation Criteria," provides detailed guidance for potential bidders responding to a solicitation. It outlines the process for submitting questions, general instructions for quotations, electronic submission requirements, and the format for quotes. It also details the evaluation criteria the government will use to select an awardee.

• Questions: Offerors must submit written questions by May 15, 2026, 2:00 PM ET to Jennifer Lohmeier at Jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov. Responses will be provided via amendment.
• Submission: Quotations must be submitted electronically via email to Jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov by May 19, 2026, 10 AM ET. Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov.
• Quote Format: Quotes must be submitted in two volumes: Volume I (Technical Quote) and Volume II (Price Quote). Each volume has specific page limits, formatting requirements (e.g., font size, spacing), and content guidelines.
• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the technically acceptable offer at the lowest price. Evaluation factors include Technical Capability and Price. Faster delivery may be viewed favorably.
• Applicable Provisions and Clauses: Lists FAR and CAR clauses incorporated by reference and in full text, including those related to small business representations, Buy American Act, and agency protests.

This document is critical for bidders as it dictates how to prepare and submit their proposals. Understanding the submission deadlines, format requirements, and evaluation criteria is essential for creating a compliant and competitive quotation. It also highlights key FAR and CAR clauses that bidders must adhere to.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). It constitutes the only solicitation, and no separate written solicitation will be issued. The government is procuring a Battery Fire Testing System.

• The primary deliverable is a Battery Fire Testing System as detailed in Attachment A – Statement of Work (SOW).

• Delivery is FOB Destination and must be completed within twelve (12) weeks or less after receipt of order (ARO).

• A Firm-Fixed Price type Purchase Order is anticipated.

• Responsible offerors must provide pricing for the specified line item.

• Detailed clauses, instructions to offerors, and evaluation criteria are provided in Attachment B.

• This procurement is set aside 100% for small business concerns.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334516 – Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

• The Product Service Code (PSC) is 6640 – Laboratory Equipment and Supplies.

• The solicitation number is 1333ND26QNB730169.

• Provisions and clauses are effective through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2026-01 and the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), supplemented by Department of Commerce Acquisition Policy.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To procure a large pressure vessel system capable of withstanding high pressures and temperatures for examining the evolution and dynamics of battery systems in a controlled environment, crucial for characterizing battery fire risks.

Deliver a Battery Fire Testing System (BFTS) including FOB Destination delivery, warranty, and performance testing. The system must be new and not experimental, prototype, or custom. All components must be in original manufacturer's packaging with documentation.

• Battery Fire Testing System (BFTS):

  • Stainless-steel vessel with a movable head assembly and electric hoist.
  • Vessel: 5-gallon inner volume, minimum 9-inch inner diameter, 15-inch inside depth.
  • Working Pressure: Minimum 1500 psi.
  • Working Temperature: Minimum 325 Celsius.
  • Seal: Maintain perfect seal at 1500 psi and 325 Celsius for over an hour, using a high-temperature PTFE gasket.
  • Moveable Head Assembly: Includes pressure gauge (up to 200 psi), gas relief valve, manual needle valve, NPT ports, single valve assemblies for gas intake/exhaust, and a safety rupture disc.
  • Heating Assembly: Three-zone, controlled by an external controller, maintaining above 325 Celsius for at least 1 hour.
  • Controller: Provides temperature control (ramp, set temp), controllable via computer software (USB).
  • Power: Operates between 110 V and 240 V, maximum 30 A.
  • Pressure Module: Interfaces with head assembly, reports pressure above 325 Celsius, with analog output (4-20 mA or 0-5 V).
  • Software: Records temperature and pressure in real-time at a minimum frequency of 5 Hz.

• Deliverable: 1 Battery Fire Testing System.

• Due Date: 12 weeks ARO (After Receipt of Order).

• Performance Tests:

  • Pressure Test: Hold 1000 psi continuously while heated to 300 Celsius for 30 minutes.

• Acceptance: TPOC or COR review within 30 days of receipt.

• Period of Performance/Lead Time: Twelve (12) weeks ARO.

• Place of Performance: NIST Gaithersburg Campus, Building 224, B361.

• Warranty: Minimum one year from receipt of equipment, commencing upon acceptance.

• Payment Schedule: Net 30-day terms. 100% after installation and acceptance, successful completion of testing, successful demonstration of technical requirements, and proper invoice submission. Advance payment is not authorized.

• Delivery Terms: FOB Destination. Contractor responsible for packing, marking, delivery, and any loss/damage before receipt and acceptance.

• Inspection: Government reserves the right to conduct performance tests and evaluations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment B - Clauses, Instructions to Offerors, and Evaluation Criteria," provides detailed instructions and criteria for offerors responding to a solicitation. It outlines how to submit quotations, what information is required, and how offers will be evaluated.

• Inquiries: Instructions for submitting questions, with a deadline of April 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. Responses will be provided in an amendment.
• General: The government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to request clarifications. Quotes must include a statement accepting or noting exceptions to the terms and conditions.
• Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "Time" (calendar days) and "Options" (unilateral right to purchase additional supplies/services).
• Electronic Submission: Quotes must be emailed to Jennifer.lohmeier@nist.gov by April 28, 2026, 10:00 AM ET. Offerors must be registered in SAM.
• Amendments: Offerors must acknowledge receipt of any amendments.
• Submission, Modification, Revision, and Withdrawal: Details on how to submit, modify, or withdraw quotes.
• Quote Format: Quotes must be submitted in two volumes (Technical and Price). Filenames must include the offeror's company name. Documents must be in Microsoft Office or Adobe PDF format.
  • Volume I (Technical Quote): Maximum 5 pages, single-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman. Must include system specifications, capabilities, warranty, maintenance, delivery timeframe, schedule, performance testing, provision responses, and assumptions/exceptions. No pricing information.
  • Volume II (Price Quote): Maximum 5 pages (excluding Reps & Certs), single-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman. Must include pricing information, exceptions to terms and conditions, and be in Microsoft Excel or searchable PDF format. All figures rounded to the nearest hundredth. Quotes must be valid for 60 days.
• Quote Content: Specific sections required for both Technical and Price quotes.
• Quote Evaluation: Award will be made to the technically acceptable offer at the lowest price. Evaluation criteria include Technical Capability and Price. Faster delivery, installation, and training are viewed favorably.
• Applicable Provisions and Clauses: Lists FAR and CAR clauses incorporated by reference and in full text, including those related to small business representations, Buy American Act, and agency protests.

This document is critical for bidders as it dictates the entire proposal submission process, including formatting, content requirements for both technical and price proposals, submission deadlines, and evaluation criteria. Understanding these instructions is essential for preparing a compliant and competitive offer.