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Portable Resilient Integrated Storage Module (PRISM)
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Project Description
Problem Statement
The Department of War’s current approach to battlefield electrical energy across the force is fragmented, lacks a framework to meet current and future battlefield power needs, and is tactically and operationally vulnerable to targetable signatures and strained supply lines in areas of contested logistics. Units currently rely on a patchwork of Government-Off-the-Shelf (GOTS) and Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) generators to both produce and distribute energy to combat systems.
GOTS generators are often oversized for specific battlefield applications, which leads to losses in energy production and wasted fuel in contested environments. These systems typically operate at an output that matches the load but may not be at the most efficient operating point of the generator, potentially causing it to be underloaded. Additionally, they generate noticeable acoustic and thermal signatures, which can pose challenges for silent watch operations. The size and weight of GOTS generators often require separate transport, impacting mobility and, therefore, lethality on the battlefield.
Conversely, while COTS generators may not be specifically suited and hardened for combat scenarios, they can provide flexibility in various operational contexts. However, they typically use gasoline rather than the primary battlefield fuels such as JP-8 or JP-5, which introduces significant logistical burdens.
The integration of energy storage and power conversion systems into the battlefield provides a direct strategy for these problem areas. Energy storage systems can be paired with generators, vehicles, or used as standalone systems as the mission dictates; thereby increasing overall warfighter effectiveness and battlefield capability.
Background
The services lack a flexible, scalable, easily-portable energy storage and power conversion and distribution system, sized between 1kWh GOTS lightweight systems and heavy applications serviced by current 90kWh GOTS energy storage units. Without this capability, combat units will either be underpowered and unable to achieve their mission, or be anchored to oversized generators.
Project Approach
The Portable Resilient Integrated Storage Module (PRISM) project approach under the DIU Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) will use an iterative prototype development process to provide a clear path to transition of successful commercially demonstrated technology solutions utilizing the following phased approach:
- Project Phase 1: Initial Design and Prototyping (6 - 12 months) - Modifications, as identified, of commercial systems to meet desired solution features and delivery of a first set of prototypes. This phase will include a Limited Lithium Battery Safety Certification and conclude with government acceptance testing to support user evaluations.
- Project Phase 2: Field User Evaluations (6 months).
- Project Phase 3: Updated Design and Prototyping (6 months) - Modification to design, as identified during User Evaluations. Manufacture and delivery of the updated prototype for formal test and evaluation.
- Project Phase 4: Government Military Standard Testing as required (12 months).
Project Objectives
PRISM will rapidly integrate and test commercially developed energy storage and power conversion and distribution systems and components; enabling warfighters to effectively execute their mission while decreasing operational risk via efficient battlefield power distribution and energy storage, reduced targetable signatures, and decreased logistical requirements.
Desired Solution Features
Desired solution features include the following attributes and capabilities:
- Power: Will input and output 1 - 15 kilowatts (kW) at various Direct Current (DC) voltages up to 48 Volts (V) and world wide Alternating Current (AC) voltages and frequencies.
- Energy Storage: Will utilize 1 - 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of scalable, energy storage modules.
- Interoperability: Will utilize standard military and/or commercial connectors for inputs and outputs.
- Communications: Will utilize a Controller Area Network (CAN) and/or Tactical Microgrid Standard (TMS) (MIL-STD-3071) for communication when necessary.
- Size: Depending on energy storage capacity, compact form factor suitable for manportable transport or in light tactical vehicles.
- Weight: At the subsystem level, each component will weigh no more than 160 pounds (lbs).
- Architecture: Will employ a modular, open system architecture design to allow upgrades of power electronics and energy storage systems as technology improves.
- Performance: Shall allow operation without interference of electronic equipment such as small form factor radars, computers, and tactical radios without degrading their performance.
- Ruggedization: Compliance with MIL-STD-810H or commercial equivalent standard for shock, vibration, and drop.
- Environmental: Designed to operate in austere environments and conditions.
- Signature Management: Minimization of electromagnetic, thermal, audible, and visual signatures is critical.
- Maintainability: Designed for ease of maintenance with readily available components and clear diagnostic capabilities.
- Batteries: If using lithium batteries, it is highly desired to use a common military or commercial battery and keep in mind Section 842 of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
- Timeline: Will be ready for full scale operational testing, demonstration, and evaluation within 12 months from time of award.
- Restrictions: Fuel cell powered solutions will not be accepted.
Vendor Solution Brief Submission Options
Vendors have flexibility in how they submit their solution briefs, which can be proposed either independently or through a teaming arrangement.
Process
Submissions will be evaluated in accordance with CSO HQ084520SC001 available on https://DIU.mil and https://SAM.gov. Vendors selected for Phase 2 will receive an amplification letter with expanded details to help inform their Phase 2 pitches. Those vendors will be expected to provide their Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost breakdown. The vendorsʼ Phase 2 pitches shall address the Phase 2 evaluation factors contained in CSO HQ0845-20-S-C001. DoW requires companies without a CAGE code to register in SAM https://SAM.gov if selected for an agreement award. The Government recommends that prospective companies begin this process as early as possible.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility
This solicitation is open to U.S. and international vendors. Vendors are reminded that in order to utilize an Other Transaction agreement, the requirements of 10 USC 4022 must be satisfied. Specifically reference 10 USC 4022(d), which requires significant contribution from a nontraditional defense contractor, all participants to be small business concerns, or at least one third of the total cost of the prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by sources other than the Federal Government.
Awarding Instrument
This Area of Interest and subsequent phases will proceed in accordance with the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process and evaluation criteria detailed within HQ0845-20-S-C001 (DIU CSO), posted to Sam.gov in March 2020. Additionally, this document can be found within the DIU Library at www.diu.mil/library.
Follow-on Production
Companies are advised that any prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreement awarded in response to this Area of Interest may result in the award of a follow-on production contract or transaction without the use of further competitive procedures. The follow-on production contract or transaction will be available for use by one or more organizations in the Department of Defense and, as a result, the magnitude of the follow-on production contract or agreement could be significantly larger than that of the prototype OT. As such, any prototype OT will include the following statement relative to the potential for follow-on production: "In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4022(f), and upon a determination that the prototype project for this transaction has been successfully completed, this competitively awarded prototype OTA may result in the award of a follow-on production contract or transaction without the use of competitive procedures.”
Awarding Process
DIU
FAQs
Q: How is the subsystem defined for the 160 lb weight limit? Does an integrated unit combining energy storage, power conversion, and enclosure in a single portable case constitute one subsystem — or are energy storage and power conversion weighed independently?
A: A subsystem is defined as a self-contained, functional component of the larger system. If your solution is an integrated unit combining energy storage, power conversion, and enclosure in a single portable case, then it must weigh no more than 160 lbs. If you have separate cases for energy storage and power conversion, then each can weigh no more than 160 lbs.
Q: Given Section 842 FY2026 NDAA explicitly exempts RDT&E and phases in restrictions from January 2028, are Phase 1 prototype contracts subject to Section 842 compliance at award — or is demonstrating a compliant supply chain roadmap for production transition sufficient?
A: Demonstrating a compliant supply chain roadmap for production beginning in January 2028 is sufficient.
Q: Does the worldwide AC requirement apply to input, output, or both? Does worldwide require universal 100–277V 50/60Hz output capability, or is fixed 120V 60Hz output with universal 100–277V 50/60Hz input acceptance sufficient for Phase 1 prototyping?
A: The worldwide AC power requirement applies primarily to the input.
Q: Does various DC voltages up to 48V refer to standard nominal voltages (12V, 24V, 48V), or is continuous variable DC output across the full range required? Would a system optimized for 48V DC with compatibility down to 12/24V satisfy this requirement?
A: Various DC voltages up to 48V can refer to standard nominal voltages or continuous variable voltages across the full range.
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Potential Follow-On Production Contract for Prototype Other Transaction Agreements
Companies are advised that any Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreement awarded in response to this solicitation may result in the direct award of a follow-on production contract or agreement without the use of further competitive procedures. Follow-on production activities will result from successful prototype completion.
The follow-on production contract or agreement will be available for use by one or more organizations within the Department of Defense. As a result, the magnitude of the follow-on production contract or agreement could be significantly larger than that of the Prototype OT agreement. All Prototype OT agreements will include the following statement relative to the potential for follow-on production: “In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f), and upon a determination that the prototype project for this transaction has successfully been completed, this competitively awarded Prototype OT agreement may result in the award of a follow-on production contract or transaction without the use of competitive procedures.”
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If we think there’s a good match between your solution and our DoD partners, we’ll invite you to provide us with a full proposal — this is the beginning of negotiating all the terms and conditions of a proposed prototype contract.
After a successful prototype, the relationship can continue and even grow, as your company and any interested DoD entity can easily enter into follow-on contracts.
Our Process
We solicit commercial solutions that address current needs of our DoD partners. (View all open solicitations and challenges.
You send us a short brief about your solution.
We’ll get back to you within 30 days if we’re interested in learning more through a pitch. If we're not interested, we'll strive to let you know ASAP.