Ultrasound scanning of li-ion cells to detect lithium plating

NASA seeks a contractor to receive 28 18650 lithium‑ion cells (24 with insufficient anode overhang or anode metallic foreign‑object debris and 4 control cells), cycle them under defined charge‑discharge profiles, and perform non‑destructive ultrasound examinations to detect lithium plating. The effort includes two sub‑groups: Sub‑group 1 will undergo 62 % depth‑of‑discharge cycling at C/6 (0.52 A) with ultrasound scans every 100 cycles for up to 600 cycles, while Sub‑group 2 will follow the same initial profile for 200 cycles then transition to a low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) cycling regime with scans every 400 cycles for up to 4 320 cycles. Ultrasound data and computational analysis must be reported after each scan to identify cells most likely to exhibit plating for possible destructive follow‑up. All work will be performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, with storage in a temperature‑ and humidity‑controlled facility (25 °C ± 1.5 °C, 50 % RH). The contractor must complete cycling and scanning within 12 months of receipt, and NASA will cover inbound and return shipping. NASA intends to issue a sole‑source contract to Titan Advanced Energy Solutions, Inc. under FAR 12.102(a) but is requesting written capabilities and qualifications from interested parties no later than 15:00 CST on 1 May 2026. Responses will be evaluated solely to determine whether a competitive acquisition is feasible; oral submissions are not accepted. The solicitation is classified under NAICS 334515 (Ultrasonic, Electro‑Acoustic, and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing) and is governed by the NASA FAR Supplement, including Clause 1852.215‑84 (Ombudsman).

Notice ID

fe94aa6864ab413295d44284f8bcab70

Solicitation Number

80NSSC26930445Q

NAICS Code

334515

Classification Code

AJ11