SRTESS Prototype Project

APEX OTA CONSORTIUM COMING SOON ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT: APEX-CSA-016

DATE: 23 April 2026

PROJECT NAME: Sodium Rapid-Cycle Tactical Energy Storage System (SRTESS) Prototype Project

AUTHORITY: 10 U.S.C. §4022 (Prototype Projects)

CUSTOMER: DEVCOM United States Army Research Lab (ARL)

KEY TECHNICAL AREA(S): Energy Storage and Batteries, Emerging Technologies

DESCRIPTION

• DEVCOM ARL seeks solutions to design, develop, integrate, and demonstrate a domestically sourced, rechargeable sodium-based tactical energy storage capability that does not currently exist. The prototype will focus on enabling high-rate charge and discharge performance (targeting ≤10-minute rapid-cycle capability) while maintaining safety, durability, and operational utility in contested and austere environments. The effort will emphasize non-lithium, non-rare earth, and domestically sourced materials to strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce dependency on foreign-controlled resources. The prototype is expected to mature a novel energy storage architecture and integrated system capability, including cell design, module integration, battery management systems, and thermal management, validated under operationally relevant conditions

• The Government anticipates a phased prototype approach focused on architecture development, cell-level validation, system integration, and operational assessment across representative mission environments (e.g., dismounted systems, UAS, edge compute, and tactical communications). Performance metrics will support evaluation of prototype maturation, including charge rate, discharge performance, lifecycle durability, thermal stability, and domestic material compliance. Successful completion of the prototype may enable follow-on production or expanded implementation pursuant to 10 U.S.C. §4022(f), limited to the scope of the demonstrated prototype capability and subject to statutory requirements and availability of funds.

CLASSIFICATION: The SRTESS Prototype Project will be UNCLASSIFIED.

RELEASE DATE: The expected release date for the request for white papers (RWP) is 3QFY26.

QUESTIONS: If you have questions regarding this announcement, please send them to info@techaccelerator.us.

APEX Consortium Membership: Membership in the APEX Consortium will be required to submit a solution to the pending RFS. You can join the APEX Consortium by first becoming a member of the Tech Accelerator Community. You can complete the Tech Accelerator Community membership application process www.techaccelerator.us/membership.

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