Physics-Based Model to Quantify the Fire and Toxic Hazard of Li-Ion Batteries

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) intends to negotiate a single-source purchase order with Jensen Hughes, Inc. for the development of a Physics-Based Model to quantify the Fire and Toxic Hazard of Li-Ion Batteries. The project aims to establish a systematic methodology for determining the Heat Release Rate (HRR) of complex Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) using limited cell and module level testing. The ultimate goal is to inform the design of mitigation measures that ensure BESS are safe for the rail environment. • The project is a continuation of critical work begun under Contract 693JJ623C000004. • The original contract was awarded using a competitive Broad Agency Announcement process in 2023. • Jensen Hughes, Inc. is uniquely qualified to satisfy this requirement due to their specialized data and technical continuity developed during the initial competitive award. • Interested parties may submit a description of their firm's capabilities to satisfy this requirement, but the FRA does not intend to conduct a competitive procurement.