Battery Electrode Calendaring & Slitting Solution

Background
The University of South Carolina (USC) is seeking proposals from qualified firms for a one-time purchase of a calendaring-slitting system to create electrodes for battery manufacturing. This procurement aims to enhance the university's capabilities in battery technology, specifically for the production of both anodes and cathodes using various formulations.

Work Details
The contract involves supplying a calendaring-slitting system with the following specifications:

- **Components**: Unwind, Calendar, Slitting, Rewind, Control Cabinet.
- **Capabilities**: Process both anode and cathode materials (NMC622/811 and LFP), handle foil widths between 300-400 mm, achieve web speeds greater than 20 m/min, and allow for intermittent coating.
- **Heating capabilities**: Up to 150°C with contact preheating before compression.
- **Control features**: Active gap/pressure control and capacitive displacement sensors for real gap measurement.
- **Integration**: Slitting directly into the machine with adjustable cutting depth and speed.
- **Calender specifications**: Roller diameter of 500 mm, applied force up to 800 kN, gap accuracy of +/- 0.5 μm, and temperature control within +/-1 °C.
- **Slitting station features**: Two knives with circular blades, edge trimming assembly, adjustable cutting depth, and safety sensors that ensure operation only when the enclosure is closed.
- **Rewind section**: Must include clamping devices for roll changes and web guiding systems.

Period of Performance
The contractor shall ensure that all items are delivered within an agreed-upon timeframe after receipt of the purchase order. Installation must also be completed within this timeframe after the contract start date.

Place of Performance
All deliveries shall be made to the University of South Carolina at Molinari College of Engineering and Computing, 1220 Catawba St., Columbia, SC 29208.

Bidder Requirements
Offerors must provide evidence of insurance or ability to obtain it as per requirements in Section VIIB. Proposals should include a cover letter summarizing experiences in providing similar services and a detailed technical proposal addressing how their solution meets or exceeds specified requirements.