The Department of Defense is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for the Portable Energy Node (PEN), an integrated, portable power conversion and energy storage system intended for use by the U.S. Army. The PEN aims to deliver adaptable, resilient, lightweight, and mobile power solutions to front-line soldiers, addressing specific requirements such as power outputs ranging from 1-5 kW, energy storage capacities of 1-3+ kWh, and compliance with MIL-STD-810H ruggedization standards. This initiative is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency while reducing logistical burdens and vulnerabilities. Interested vendors must submit their responses by February 6, 2026, detailing their capabilities, product specifications, and production capacity, with inquiries directed to John Matthew Mercado at john.m.mercado3.civ@army.mil or Shahaadah C. Nalls at shahaadah.c.nalls.civ@army.mil.

PEN RFI_v11.2 (08Jan2026).pdf

The Request for Information (RFI) W909MY-26-R-PEN1 seeks industry capabilities for a Portable Energy Node (PEN)—an integrated, portable power conversion and energy storage system for the U.S. Army. The Project Manager Expeditionary Energy and Sustainment Systems (PM E2S2) is conducting market research for Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) systems across small, medium, and large configurations. The PEN aims to provide adaptable, resilient, lightweight, and mobile power to front-line soldiers while minimizing logistical burdens and vulnerability through signature reduction. Key requirements include specific power outputs (1-5kW), energy storage (1-3+ kWh), voltage flexibility, and weight limits (<35-102 lbs objective). All PEN sizes must operate in diverse environments, comply with MIL-STD-810H ruggedization, and manage signatures. Responses are due by February 6, 2026, and should address business details, company experience, product specifications, production capacity, and technical challenges for each PEN size.

*Disclaimer:* *This RFI does NOT constitute a Request for Proposal and is not to be construed as a commitment, implied or otherwise, by the Government that a procurement action will be issued. Response to this notice is not a request to be added to a bidders list or to receive a copy of a solicitation. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of the submission of the requested information. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement and any follow up information requests. Responses to this RFI may be considered in the future determination of an appropriate acquisition strategy for the program. The Government may not respond to any specific questions or comments submitted in response to this RFI or information provided as a result of this request.* *Responses shall not include classified or proprietary material or information with classified, “Proprietary”, “Confidential”, or other markings limiting distribution. Any information submitted by respondents as a result of this notice is strictly voluntary. Companies are advised that Project Manager Expeditionary Energy & Sustainment Systems (PM E2S2) is supported by Government support contractors who will review information submitted in response to this RFI for the purpose of providing technical advice to the Government.  Companies which submit Submission Forms in response to this RFI will be deemed to have waived any objection to the Government's use of support contractors to review their Submission Forms.  The Government support contractors work under a contractual nondisclosure agreement which requires them to safeguard controlled technical information.  The contractor may not use, reproduce, modify or release controlled technical information without consent of the owner.*

Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Belvoir is releasing this Request for Information (RFI) on behalf of the Project Manager (PM) Expeditionary Energy and Sustainment Systems (E2S2). The information provided will be used for market research and used to assess the capability of vendors and products. The Government is not obligated to release a future solicitation. Interested respondents shall refer to the details of their response to this RFI as, “Request for Written Responses, Cover Page, Business Questions, and Vendor Survey Questions”.

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