Perform calendar life portion of the lot acceptance testing.
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Shared Services Center (NSSC) intends to award a sole source contract to SYMMETRY RESOURCES, INC for the calendar life portion of lot acceptance testing for commercial Li-ion 18650 cells. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation under FAR Part 12. Other interested organizations are invited to submit capabilities and qualifications to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible. Submissions are due by April 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Scope of Work
This effort aims to continue the calendar life portion of lot acceptance testing for commercial Li-ion 18650 cells. The objective is to determine the impact of State of Charge (SoC), temperature, and time on self-discharge, capacity fade, and impedance growth. Key tasks include:
- Conducting calendar life testing on 50 cells from each of 5 specified cell designs (LG INR18650-M36, Moli INR18650-M35A, Moli INR18650-P28B, Samsung INR18650-30Q, Samsung ICR18650-26F).
- Testing will occur at 5 states of charge (0%, 30%, 60%, 90%, 100%) and 3 temperatures (low, room, high).
- Performing annual capacity performance checks and specific test protocols for various cell designs.
- Storing cells in sealed containers with desiccant between tests.
- Providing annual reports detailing test results, capacity fade, and DC resistance changes.
- Cells are considered failed if capacity degrades below 75% of BOL capacity. NASA will provide the cell samples.
Contract Details
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (intent to award sole source)
- Intended Contractor: SYMMETRY RESOURCES, INC
- NAICS Code: 541380 (Testing Laboratories)
- PSC Code: AJ11 (General Science And Technology R&D Services; Basic Research)
- Set-Aside: Sole source determination; however, capabilities from other interested parties are invited.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested organizations must submit capabilities and qualifications in writing to the identified point of contact. Submissions will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be conducted on a competitive basis. Oral communications are not acceptable.
Place & Period of Performance
- Place of Performance: NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston, TX 77058, United States.
- Period of Performance: 5 years and 6 months, including a base year and four annual options. Five annual test cycles are included.
Deadlines & Contact
- Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
- Published Date: April 27, 2026.
- Primary Point of Contact: Cara Craft, Procurement Specialist II, cara.s.craft@nasa.gov.