ADVANCE CONTRACT AWARD NOTICE (ACAN)
SOLICITATION NUMBER: 24-58243
1. Advance Contract Award Notice (ACAN):
An ACAN is a public notice indicating to the supplier community that a department or agency intends to award a contract for goods, services or construction to a pre-identified supplier, thereby allowing other suppliers to signal their interest in bidding, by submitting a statement of capabilities. If no supplier submits a statement of capabilities that meets the requirements set out in the ACAN, on or before the closing date stated in the ACAN, the contracting officer may then proceed with the award to the pre-identified supplier.
2. Definition of the requirement
The National Research Council CANADA (NRC), located in Boucherville, Quebec, is a specialized research facility dedicated to battery manufacturing. The facility enables the production of full-size prototype battery cells using the same processes used in the lithium-ion battery industry. It can produce either small cells for research and development (R&D) purposes or large cells suitable for the assembly of electric vehicle (EV) battery packs. This facility enables NRC and its customers to develop and de-risk new battery technologies.
The facility is used to evaluate and qualify new battery materials and components at any stage of the manufacturing process. Our team of battery experts includes materials chemists, electrochemists, engineers and technicians with extensive knowledge in all aspects of battery science. NRC has extensive experience in electrode fabrication, battery assembly and testing from lab scale to industrial prototypes, including active layer formulation and optimization, determination of critical manufacturing parameters, performance optimization, identification of battery failure modes.
The facility is designed to accommodate two sequential scale-up steps: from laboratory scale (coin cell type) to small research and development pouch cells (size 5x8x0.3 cm³; capacity 300-500 mAh) and then to electric vehicle (EV) size pouch cells (size 17x22x1 cm³; capacity 20-30 Ah). This enables the NRC to evaluate novel battery materials with a minimal quantity of material, typically a few hundred grams.
The NRC specializes in the formulation of slurries composed of innovative materials, including active materials, conducting additives, binders, and the optimization of slurry composition and mixing strategy. Additionally, the NRC offers expertise in electrode fabrication, including active layer coating using the industry-standard slot-die technique and the optimization of electrode porosity and mechanical properties. The assessment of any battery component at the pilot scale is conducted, including separators, current collectors, and electrolytes. Additionally, innovative battery formation protocols are tested, as well as standard or custom-made battery testing protocols. Finally, post-mortem analysis is performed to determine the failure modes.
Electrode fabrication
• Bühler HiVis 3D2 mixer, combining planetary and high-speed disperser blades
• Primix Filmix 56-30, capable of batch or continuous mixing
• IMC R2R coater, coating width up to 20 cm, 2-zones drying oven (1 m each), active web guiding system; slot-die technique; continuous, stripes or patch coating available; metered slurry delivery system from 0.5 L up to 7.5 L
• IMC R2R calender, 40 T of pneumatic force, 20 cm diameter calendering rolls (width 25 cm), HEPA-filtration enclosure
• Solith EPM280 press cutter with automated edge-positioning system
• Memmert vacuum oven for electrode drying
Battery assembly
• Dry room
• Solith BFM280 pouch embosser
• Solith SFE280 automatic Z-folding stack assembly machine
• Branson MWX100 ultrasonic welder for tab welding, equipped with precision alignment devices
• Solith MFC280 electrolyte filling and degassing machine
• RDM Test Equipment HSE-3D pouch side-sealer, equipped with precision alignment devices
Battery formation and testing
• MTI BST8-3 battery tester, 32 channels up to 3A; Constant temperature monitoring on each cell
• BioLogic BCS815 battery cycler, 64 channels up to 15A; Constant temperature and pressure monitoring on each cell
• Memmert ovens; CO gas sensors and automatic safety systems
• Espec EGNX16-6NWL environmental chambers with fire detection and suppression capabilities; CO gas sensors and automatic safety systems
To expand this research facility, NRC has a requirement to select, design, and construct one or two new dry rooms to accommodate existing and new equipment, taking into account the dimensions and location of the rooms. Addition of the capability of formulating, mixing, coating and calendaring battery electrodes in dry conditions (by directly adding these capabilities on the equipment or re-locating the equipment in a dry room),
i. The incorporation of additional apparatus into the existing apparatus line will facilitate an expansion of its capabilities. This will include the enhancement of existing functions, such as the increase of slurry mixing capabilities and the introduction of wet and dry thickness measurements.
ii. Addition of a cylindrical cell fabrication line,
iii. Addition of a solid-state battery pouch cell fabrication pilot line;
iv. Product and Process development, equipment design, sourcing and implementation, facility operations, as well as a vast network of contacts in the area of product manufacturers, toll coaters, equipment Vendors, and end-product users.
3. Project Phases and Deliverables:
The mandate shall be sub-divided into multiple Phases, each with its set of deliverables as follows:
1. Elaborate Project Guidelines
• Review with NRC Team via web-meetings, the differences and constraints between cell size range flexibility and process steps for solid-state pouch and cylindrical cell configurations
• Elaborate and document general product specs and dimensions including material (mass) balance
• Define PFD (Process Flow Diagram)
• Obtain available space at NRC and transfer to drawing format
• Design the preliminary layout, fitted to NRC building to optimize workflow - block diagram
• Review with NRC Technical Authority and/or their Facility Engineering representative and obtain written Approval on preferred options.
2. Cell Configuration and Process Review Documentation: A report documenting the review of solid-state pouch and cylindrical cell configurations, including an analysis of size flexibility, process steps, and any identified constraints.
3. General Product Specifications and Material Balance Report: A document outlining the general product specifications, dimensions, and material (mass) balance for the cells.
4. Process Flow Diagram (PFD): A PFD representing the complete process flow for the production of both solid-state pouch and cylindrical cells.
5. Facility Space Drawing: Digital drawings of the available space within the NRC facility, reflecting current conditions and layout.
6. Preliminary Layout and Block Diagram: A preliminary layout design fitted to the NRC facility, provided in block diagram format, to optimize the workflow and accommodate new equipment.
7. Review Meeting Notes and Written Approval: Documented feedback and notes from review meetings with NRC and their Facility Engineering representative, including written approval of the selected options for the facility expansion
8. Equipment Definition and Vendor Search :
• Collaborate with NRC in the writing of Equipment Specifications (Statement of Requirements SOR) per NRC standard format and criteria - Major Equipment (20-25X) - some individual machine specification may be combined, if desired from a unique vendor as directed by the NRC.
• Anode/Cathode Mixer - Mixer technology to be specified by NRC with collaboration of SUDANO
• Anode/Cathode dry coating
• Anode/Cathode Slitter
• Anode & Cathode Electrode Blanking as well as capability of handing Solid
9. State electrodes and/or separators
• Anode & Cathode Second-Dry Vacuum Drying Oven(s)
• Cylindrical Cell Assembly
• Strip Cutting and Tab Welding
• Jelly Roll Winding
• Bottom Tab Welding
• Can Necking
• Top Cap Welding
• Electrolyte Filling
• Can Crimping
• Pouch Cell Assembly
• Anode Electrode Blanking
• Cathode Electrode Blanking
• Z-Fold Stacking machine
• Tab Welding and Trimming Machine
• Pouch Forming Machine
• Pouch Side Sealing and Pouch Trimming Machine
• Electrolyte Filling and Degassing Machine
• Cell Formation and Testing Equipment for cylindrical cells
• Dry room and associated Dehumidification Equipment c/w controls, installation, etc.
• Data acquisition and analytics software
• Search qualified Equipment Vendors based on requirements
• Issue RFP’s and obtain budgetary pricing for each equipment (2-3 Vendors for each)
• Follow-up & Review for each Vendor responding to any questions from
Vendors or NRC
• The deliverables for this section are as follows:
Vendor Proposal Review Report
• A detailed report summarizing the review of all vendor proposals, highlighting how each proposal meets or deviates from the SOR specifications.
a. Synthesis of Vendor Quotes
• A comprehensive comparison of vendor quotes, including critical details such as equipment dimensions, required maintenance work areas, and other key specifications.
b. Preliminary Equipment Layout Drawing
• A preliminary layout drawing showing the proposed equipment placement within the facility, designed to optimize workflow and accommodate space requirements. This must be provided for NRC review and approval.
c. Mid-Term Results Presentation
• Presentation materials summarizing the mid-term results, including the synthesized quotes and equipment layout, for review with NRC. 5. Final Equipment Selection Summary
• A summary document detailing the final selections of the 20-25 pieces of equipment, including justifications for each choice based on NRC’s input and requirements.
d. Project Execution Cost Estimate
• A detailed estimate of the overall project execution costs, encompassing both equipment acquisition and installation expenses.
e. Compilation for NRC Procurement
• An updated and complete compilation of the Vendor proposals, final equipment selections, and cost estimates, prepared for NRC’s Procurement group to initiate the purchasing process.
f. Building Design Coordination Report
• A report summarizing the coordination activities between the contractor and NRC’s Facilities Engineering group. This must include any necessary building design adjustments and input on solvent abatement planning or other facility needs.
g. Equipment Proposals Follow-up & Synthesis
• Review all Vendor Proposals
• Synthesize Vendor Quotes including dimensions and maintenance work area
• Provide Preliminary Equipment Layout drawing for NRC feedback and approval d. Present results to NRC (Mid-term) via web-meeting
• Final selection process for ~20-25 pieces
• Estimate overall project execution costs including equipment and installations
• Update and remit compilation to NRC for purchasing process by NRC.
• Procurement group
• Building Design coordination for Equipment needs with NRC Facilities Manager Engineering group or Technical Authority;
• Building and Solvent Abatement planning (if necessary) as well as
• Execution and oversight by Others. SUDANO can assist in providing inputs for Others to determine need for any equipment.
The deliverables for this section are as follows:
1. Vendor Proposal Review Report
• A detailed report summarizing the review of all vendor proposals, highlighting how each proposal meets or deviates from the SOR specifications.
2. Synthesis of Vendor Quotes
• A comprehensive comparison of vendor quotes, including critical details such as equipment dimensions, required maintenance work areas, and other key specifications.
3. Preliminary Equipment Layout Drawing
• A preliminary layout drawing showing the proposed equipment placement within the facility, designed to optimize workflow and accommodate space requirements. This must be provided for NRC review and approval.
4. Mid-Term Results Presentation
• Presentation materials summarizing the mid-term results, including the synthesized quotes and equipment layout, for review with NRC.
5. Final Equipment Selection Summary
• A summary document detailing the final selections of the 20-25 pieces of equipment, including justifications for each choice based on NRC’s input and requirements.
6. Project Execution Cost Estimate
• A detailed estimate of the overall project execution costs, encompassing both equipment acquisition and installation expenses.
7. Compilation for NRC Procurement
• An updated and complete compilation of the vendor proposals, final equipment selections, and cost estimates, prepared for NRC’s Procurement group to initiate the purchasing process.
8. Building Design Coordination Report
• A report summarizing the coordination activities between the contractor and NRC’s Facilities Engineering group. This must include any necessary building design adjustments and input on solvent abatement planning or other facility needs.
9. Finalize Equipment selection, Equipment Engineering, Fabrication Follow-Up, Factory Acceptance Testing, and Layout Engineering Services
10. Final compilation of equipment Vendors, price, lead times, etc.
11. Final Equipment Layout
12. Prepare Facility Utilities Matrix (FUM) to provide to Facilities Engineering in preparation of Installation and services hook-ups
• Review Equipment and Tooling Engineering drawings with Vendors
• Be Point of Contact (POC) for Vendors during Fabrication process
• Prepare Acceptance Checklist documents and assist Equipment Factory
• Acceptance Testing (FAT) – includes travel time for up to 3 locations
• Update and remit document compilation to NRC
• The deliverables for this section are as follows:
13. Final Vendor and Equipment Compilation
A detailed compilation of the final vendor selections, including pricing, lead times, and other relevant procurement information.
14. Finalized Equipment Layout
The final, approved layout of the equipment within the facility, designed to maximize workflow efficiency and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
15. Facility Utilities Matrix (FUM)
• A complete FUM document that outlines the utilities required for all selected equipment. This will guide NRC’s Facilities Engineering team in preparing installation and services hook-ups.
16. Reviewed Engineering Drawings
• Validated engineering drawings for each piece of equipment and tooling, ensuring compliance with specifications and compatibility with the facility’s layout and utilities.
5. Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) Checklist
• An Acceptance Checklist document for use during FAT, detailing the criteria for evaluating equipment performance and compliance with specifications.
6. Updated Documentation Compilation
•A complete and updated compilation of all documentation related to equipment selection, fabrication follow-up, FAT results, and engineering data, remitted to NRC for their records.
7. Equipment Implementation & Start-Up
• Plan for Equipment Installation – Installation and Supervision by others
• Provide Equipment shipping support to NRC
• Be POC for Vendors during Equipment Installation, Start-Up and Commissioning. Be Support for NRC in-house Engineering personnel.
• Prepare Acceptance Checklist documents and assist Equipment Site
• Acceptance Testing (SAT)
• Provide final sign-off on Fabrication Equipment
• Provide Industry Standard Coaching to NRC Personnel on Equipment operating modes and typical parameters. Equipment Operation Training to be provided by Equipment Vendors.
The deliverables for this section are as follows:
1. Equipment Installation Plan
A detailed plan for the equipment installation, outlining the steps required for successful installation and start-up, and coordinating with the supervising parties.
2. Equipment Shipping Support Report
Documentation of the contractor’s role in coordinating equipment shipping, ensuring all logistics were handled and equipment arrived as scheduled.
3. Vendor Coordination Report
A summary of the contractor’s coordination efforts with vendors during the installation, start-up, and commissioning phases, including any key interactions or resolutions of technical issues.
4. Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) Checklist
SAT Checklist documents detailing the performance criteria used during testing. These will serve as the basis for determining if the equipment meets all operational requirements.
5. SAT Participation Report
If requested, a report summarizing the contractor’s participation in the SAT process, including observations and recommendations from the on-site testing. Travel expenses must be reported separately if applicable.
6. Final Equipment Sign-Off Document
A formal sign-off document certifying that the equipment has been installed, tested, and is ready for use, based on the results of the SAT process.
7. Coaching and Support Report
A report documenting the coaching and support provided to NRC personnel, detailing the key operating modes, parameters, and industry-standard practices shared with the team.
4. Criteria for assessment of the Statement of Capabilities (Minimum Essential Requirements)
Any supplier expressing interest must provide a statement of capabilities demonstrating they have the technical expertise to carry out all aspects of this project.
5. Applicability of the trade agreement(s) to the procurement
This procurement is subject to the following trade agreement(s):
• Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA);
• Revised World Trade Organization - Agreement on Government Procurement (WTO-AGP)
• Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
• Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
• Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA)
• Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement
• Canada-Honduras Free Trade Agreement
• Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement
• Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement
• Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA)
• Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement (Canada-UK TCA)
• Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA)
6. Justification for the Pre-Identified Supplier
For technical reasons, the proposed supplier is the only known company with significant experience in providing engineering and consulting services to the advanced battery and ultracapacitor industry. This is due to an absence of competition with an equivalent technical background.
Since 2007, SUDANO has amassed experience in a number of areas, including product and process development, equipment design, procurement and implementation, and facility operations. Additionally, the company has cultivated a vast network of contacts with product manufacturers, contract coaters, equipment suppliers, and end product users. By leveraging this experience and network, SUDANO is well positioned to provide NRC with the services they are seeking, namely the specification, procurement, and implementation of a cylindrical/pouch cell prototyping fabrication facility.
Sudano Consulting offers specialized consulting services for the NRC-Boucherville project, with a particular focus on the design and implementation of new waterless laboratories, as well as the selection and optimization of solid-state and cylindrical battery manufacturing pilot lines and dry coating technology. Their distinctive positioning is predicated on their prior involvement in the preliminary design phase of this Facility Renewal Project, during which they exhibited unparalleled expertise. The team at Sudano Consulting has a demonstrated history of expertise in the design of dry rooms, the processing of battery materials, and the creation of battery prototypes.
Their contributions to numerous conferences and extensive publication record in scientific papers and books serve to demonstrate their authority in these areas. This level of expertise is indispensable to the success of the project and is not readily available from other vendors. A comprehensive understanding of the regulatory framework in Quebec. Due to its familiarity with the specific building codes, electrical requirements, and other regulatory standards in Quebec, Sudano Consulting is able to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of costly rework or delays that could result from non-compliance. This local knowledge is indispensable for the successful implementation of the project. In light of the aforementioned factors, it is evident that Sudano Consulting's distinctive amalgamation of scientific expertise, regulatory insight, bilingual proficiency, and global industry experience renders them the sole viable source for the consulting services necessitated by the NRC-Boucherville project. It is unlikely that any other provider could offer the same level of service or guarantee the success of the project to the same extent.
7. Government Contracts Regulations Exception(s)
The following exception(s) to the Government Contracts Regulations is (are) invoked for this procurement under subsection 6(d) - "only one person is capable of performing the work").
8. Exclusions and/or Limited Tendering Reasons
The following exclusion(s) and/or limited tendering reasons are invoked under the:
a. Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) – Article 513 (1) (b) (iii): due to an absence of competition for technical reasons;
b. World Trade Organization - Agreement on Government Procurement (WTO-AGP) – Article XIII (b) (iii): due to an absence of competition for technical reasons;
c. Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) – Article 19.12 (b) (iii): due to an absence of competition for technical reasons;
d. Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) – Article 15.10 (2) (b) (iii): due to an absence of competition for technical reasons;
e. Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) – Article Kbis-16 (2) (c): necessary to protect intellectual property;
f. Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement – Article 1409 (1) (b) (iii): due to an absence of competition for technical reasons;
g. Canada-Honduras Free Trade Agreement – Article 17.11 (2) (b) (iii): due to an absence of competition for technical reasons;
h. Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement – referencing the WTO Protocol Amending the GPA, Article XIII (1) (b) (iii): due to an absence of competition for technical reasons;
i. Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement – Article 16.10 (1) (b) (iii): because of the absence of competition for technical reasons;
j. Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) – Article 1409 (1) (b) (iii): due to an absence of competition for technical reasons;
k. Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) – Annex 10-6 (2) (a): any form of preference, including set asides, to benefit micro, small and medium enterprises; and
l. Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement: refer to CETA as the provisions of CETA are incorporated by reference into and made part of this Agreement. (CETA) Article 19.12 (b) (iii).
9. Ownership of Intellectual Property
It is not anticipated that any IP will be generated. Any foreground IP that arises from the proposed contract will belong to the contractor.
10. Proposed Contract
The agreement between NRC and the Consultant will be for a period of 36 months.
The National Research Council (NRC) reserves the option to retain the Contractor on an as-needed basis for continued support beyond the initial contract term. This support may include, but is not limited to, advisory services, project management, and technical assistance related to the scope of work outlined in this contract.
Extension of Services: The NRC may, at its sole discretion, extend the Contractor’s engagement for additional periods as needed to meet project requirements or organizational needs.
Scope and Terms: Any additional services under this clause will be defined and agreed upon in writing, with mutually acceptable terms regarding scope, deliverables, timeline, and compensation.
Termination: The NRC may terminate the extended engagement at any time, provided written notice is given to the Contractor as stipulated in the original contract terms.
This clause does not obligate the NRC to extend services but provides the option to do so, ensuring flexibility for continued support as required.
11. Name and address of the pre-identified supplier
Sudano Consulting
3928 Joachim Du Bellay
Laval, Quebec, CAN, H7P 0A2
Tel: +1 (514) 235-4646
Tel: +1 (514) 235-4646
E-mail: info@sudanoconsulting.com
www.SudanoConsulting.com
12. Suppliers' right to submit a statement of capabilities
Suppliers who consider themselves fully qualified and available to provide the goods, services or construction services described in the ACAN may submit a statement of capabilities in writing to the contact person identified in this notice on or before the closing date of this notice. The statement of capabilities must clearly demonstrate how the supplier meets the advertised requirements.
13. Closing date for a submission of a statement of capabilities
The closing date and time for accepting statements of capabilities is November 22th 2024, 2pm Eastern Time.
