RPP for Domestic Production for Military-Critical Cylindrical Cells

KEY INFORMATION

Opportunity Number: RPP-BES-26-01

Agency: Department of War, Defense Industrial Base Consortium

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) aims to provide access to technologies typically reserved for commercial development, address defense supply chain issues, develop the industrial workforce, sustain critical production, commercialize R&D efforts, and rapidly scale emerging technologies to build a robust, resilient defense industrial base.

Members of the DIBC are eligible to submit a Phase 1 Quad Chart for the Domestic Production for Military-Critical Cylindrical Cells Request for Project Proposals (RPP). A Phase II full submission will be requested from those with approved quad charts. This RPP funds projects through two authorities, the Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) and Defense Production Act Purchases (DPAP).

 

AREAS OF INTEREST

DOW aims to fund innovative prototypes to strengthen the domestic supply chain for two battery technologies: military-critical cylindrical lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells and Silver-Zinc (Ag-Zn) batteries.

AOI 1: Domestic Production of 18650/21700 Lithium-Ion Cells

This AOI seeks to establish an initial domestic prototype manufacturing line for 18650 and 21700 format Li-ion cells to create a sustainable, commercially viable production capability that meets DoD performance requirements while minimizing reliance on Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC). Solutions will address a plan to produce 18650 and/or 21700 cells that meet:

• Technical Specifications;

• Production Line and Commercial Viability;

• Safety and Certification; and

• Supply Chain Requirements.

 

AOI 2: Modernization of Silver-Zinc (Ag-Zn) Battery Production

This AOI seeks to modernize and automate a U.S.-based prototype production facility for Silver-Zinc batteries. Solutions will detail a credible, economically viable plan to modernize and automate a U.S.-based Silver-Zinc battery production facility.

 

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Projects considered for IBAS Funding must demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Promote, elevate, and accelerate industrial talent pipelines.

• Advance and sustain traditional defense manufacturing sectors.

• Identify, attract, and cultivate emerging defense sectors.

• Mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities within the global DIB.

• Build and strengthen partnerships across the global DIB.

 

Projects considered for DPAP Funding must demonstrate all of the following:

• The industrial resource or technology item must be essential for national defense.

• Industry cannot or will not provide needed capacity in a reasonable time without DPA Title III assistance.

• DPA Title III incentives must be the most cost-effective, expedient, and practical alternative for the need

 

KEY DATES 

RPP Release Date: June 22, 2026

Questions Due Date: June 29, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Phase I Submission Due Date: July 17, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Phase II Submission Due Date: Fall of 2026

 

RESOURCES 

View the full program guidance here.