Ultrasound scanning of li-ion cells to detect lithium plating
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) / NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) intends to award a sole source contract to TITAN ADVANCED ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC. for ultrasound scanning of lithium-ion cells to detect lithium plating and other defects. This Combined Synopsis/Solicitation seeks to perform cycling and detailed ultrasonic examinations on 18650 Li-ion cells. Interested organizations must submit their capabilities and qualifications in writing by May 1, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Purpose & Scope
NASA's objective is to conduct cycling and ultrasound examinations on lithium-ion cells to identify hazards such as insufficient anode overhang, anode foreign object debris (FOD), and specifically lithium plating. This research aims to enhance understanding of Li-ion cell safety and performance. The contractor will receive 38 18650 cells (28 with known defects, 10 control cells) for testing.
The scope includes:
- Cycling Protocols: Cells will undergo specific cycling regimens in two subgroups. Subgroup 1 involves 62% Depth of Discharge (DoD) cycling at a C/6 rate for 600 cycles, with ultrasonic scans every 100 cycles. Subgroup 2 will perform 200 cycles at 62% DoD (C/6 rate), then switch to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) cycling profile for up to 4320 cycles, with ultrasound scans every 400 cycles.
- Ultrasound Scans: Initial and periodic proprietary ultrasound scans with computational analysis will be performed on all cells to identify lithium plating and other defects.
- Performance Standards: Strict adherence to specified cycling rates, DoD percentages, voltage ranges (e.g., 3.52V to 4.03V or 3.85V to 3.87V), and temperature control (25°C). DCIR pulses are required at defined intervals.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, intended as a sole source procurement.
- Intended Awardee: TITAN ADVANCED ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC.
- NAICS Code: 334515.
- Product Service Code: AJ11 (General Science And Technology R&D Services; General Science And Technology; Basic Research).
- Place of Performance: NASA/Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston, TX. The contractor's facility must be room temperature and humidity-controlled (<50% RH).
- Period of Performance: All cycling and scans must be completed within 12 months after receipt of cells.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
- Submission Method: Interested organizations must submit written capabilities and qualifications to the identified point of contact. Oral communications are not acceptable.
- Evaluation: Submitted capabilities will be evaluated solely to determine if the procurement should be conducted competitively. The Government's decision not to compete this effort on a full and open competition basis is at its sole discretion.
Additional Notes
Cell assemblies are classified as Class III: Non-Flight Hardware. The contractor is required to debrief NASA on ultrasound results and identify cells most likely to show evidence of lithium plating for potential destructive examination. NASA is responsible for all incoming and return shipments. NASA FAR Supplement Clause 1852.215-84, Ombudsman, is applicable.