A--Continued development of manufacturing methodologies to reduce costs of 30 KW-hr battery Lithium Ion battery packs by one-half through automation, production consistency and increased production rate.

TACOM intends to negotiate and award on a sole-source basis to SAFT America, for the continued development of manufacturing methodologies to reduce costs of 30 KW-hr battery Lithium Ion battery packs by one-half through automation, production consistency and increased production rate. This additional effort will continue the work under contract W56HZV-04C-0596 by focusing on performance improvement of their VL12V cell and on modification of the equipment for electrode manufacturing and winding to improve the process for all cell designs. The contractor will advance the state-of-the-art in battery chemistry to provide a battery chemistry solution and automated manufacturing process, with extended life, improved safety, and enhanced rate capability for lithium-ion batteries. TACOM-Warren will negotiate on a sole source basis under the authority of FAR 6-302.1 with SAFT America, Cockeysville, Maryland for this effort. This solicitation will result in a cost-plus-fixed-fee modification P00013 to contract W56HZV-04-C-0596. The target award date is 30 January 2009. See numbered notes 22 and 26.