Compact High Density Tactical Energy Storage | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) grant opportunity titled "Compact High Density Tactical Energy Storage" seeks proposals to develop and demonstrate scalable, modular energy storage systems that can better support future US Marine Corps (USMC) expeditionary operations. The central problem ONR is trying to solve is a recognized capability gap: Marines need an expeditionary energy storage solution that can store harvested energy, help match power production to fluctuating load demand, and integrate cleanly into hybrid power generation concepts (including the Mobile Electric Hybrid Power Sources, or MEHPS, initiative). In practical terms, ONR is looking for technology that can enable functions like peak shaving, cycle charging, and silent watch, while also being safe and practical to transport and operate in real military environments.

A key theme of the announcement is that this is not just about improving a battery cell in a lab; it is about system-level energy storage technology that expands the "envelope" of safe storage, transport, and operating conditions beyond what is currently fielded. Proposers are expected to conduct analyses and trade studies to justify an optimal system kilowatt-hour rating and a scaling approach that fits multiple expeditionary power needs. The opportunity is closely tied to Marine Corps strategy and requirements documents, including the Marine Corps Science and Technology Strategic Plan and the Expeditionary Energy, Water and Waste Initial Capabilities Document, which highlight the need for energy storage that bridges intermittent energy harvesting and real mission demand, and specifically call out the lack of scalable expeditionary energy storage as a major gap.

The operational and engineering expectations are spelled out in a fairly requirements-driven way. The systems should be suitable for storage and transport across vehicles, ships, and aircraft, and proposals must account for relevant safety and transport guidance such as NAVSEAINST 9310.1c, the Navy Lithium Safety Program procedures, and the UNECE transport testing criteria. The intended operating context is primarily terrestrial, with the mobility platform identified as the Light Tactical Trailer Marine Corps Chassis (LTT MCC). Portability is a must, with an objective of a two-person lift and a threshold of a four-person lift, reinforcing that these systems are meant to be handled in the field rather than treated like fixed-site infrastructure.

Performance targets cover temperature range, power capability, efficiency, lifetime, and self-discharge. ONR specifies operation from 0 to 55 C as a threshold, with a more aggressive objective of minus 20 to 55 C. Typical charge/discharge rates are envisioned at C/2 as a threshold and 2C as an objective, paired with a DC round-trip efficiency target (excluding power electronics) of 90 percent threshold and 95 percent objective at the C/2 rate. Durability expectations are also significant: a cycle life threshold of 4,500 cycles and an objective of 20,000 cycles, plus shelf-life requirements across minus 40 to 40 C with self-discharge below 5 percent per month (threshold) and 2 percent per month (objective). Proposers are also expected to identify and minimize parasitic losses, since those losses directly reduce usable energy in operational settings.

Energy density is an explicit discriminator. ONR directs offerors to compare system energy density to an existing fielded baseline of 72 Wh/kg, and indicates that concepts offering higher system-level energy density will receive favorable consideration. The storage system, whether standalone or modular, is also expected to support silent watch for at least 3 hours (threshold) and ideally 8 hours (objective) under loading scenarios described in the MEHPS Analysis of Alternatives. In addition to technical performance, ONR requires a life cycle cost estimate, signaling that transition and affordability matter, not just demonstration. The notice also states that open systems architecture approaches will be viewed favorably, aligning with broader Department of Defense goals for modularity, interoperability, and easier technology refresh over time.

From a program structure standpoint, the effort is positioned as Science and Technology development spanning roughly TRL 4 through TRL 6. The base phase is expected to use Budget Activity 2 (applied research) funding, while an option phase would use Budget Activity 3 (advanced technology development) funding. The timeline implied by the TRL goals is about three years total, with TRL 5 anticipated at around 18 months and TRL 6 by about 36 months. Overall, the solicitation is aimed at maturing and demonstrating a field-relevant energy storage system that can realistically transition into Marine Corps expeditionary power architectures, rather than remaining a one-off prototype.

Administratively, this opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 14-SN-0012) was posted in May 2014 and ultimately closed in August 2014 (with an archive date in September 2014). ONR anticipated making about three awards with an estimated total funding level of $3.75 million. The funding instrument is listed as a grant and/or procurement contract, the activity category is science and technology and other R&D, and the CFDA listing is 12.300 (Basic and Applied Scientific Research). Eligibility is described as unrestricted in general, but applicants are directed to consult ONR BAA 14-001 for the controlling eligibility and application instructions, including any white paper requirements and submission details. The full announcement was made available through Grants.gov under the full announcement tab, with a listed ONR contact for access issues.

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