Biotechnology for Materials - Dem/Val

The Biotechnology for Materials - Demonstration and Validation (Dem/Val) program, designated as PE 0604386A in the Army's FY2025 Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is focused on advancing biotechnology applications for military materials. The primary goal of this program is to create a robust pipeline that identifies, prototypes, and evaluates promising biotechnology solutions to address critical warfighter needs. By integrating advanced instrumentation and robotics into laboratory and testing environments, the program aims to accelerate the transition of biotechnology innovations from research to fielded capabilities.

A key objective of the program is to enhance the resiliency of the defense supply chain by developing alternative methods for sourcing essential materials. This includes the evaluation and prototyping of bio-derived jet fuel precursors, energetic materials, lubricants, epoxies, anti-fouling compounds, and processes for the recovery of rare earth elements. These efforts are intended to reduce reliance on traditional supply chains, mitigate risks associated with adversarial technological advances, and ensure the U.S. military maintains access to critical resources.

The program's investment strategy, known as the T-BRSC (Technology-Biotechnology Resilient Supply Chain), is designed to support the full lifecycle of biotechnology solutions from demonstration and prototyping to manufacturing and fielding. This approach addresses immediate military requirements and supports broader national security objectives by enabling U.S. industry to commercialize dual-use technologies. By fostering the U.S. bioeconomy, the program seeks to maintain technological competitiveness and reduce vulnerabilities in defense logistics.

The primary project under this program element for FY2025 evaluates the application of emerging biotechnologies and bio-manufactured materials for acquisition programs, focusing on supply chain resilience. Planned activities include the assessment of biofuels as energetic materials for hypersonic systems, performance evaluation of these fuels in hypersonic weapon platforms, and the application of high-temperature resistant bio-composites in hypersonic defense systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and fire-resistant battery casings.

Within this project, several technical tasks are outlined. These include the development and combustion testing of high energy density endothermic biofuels in scramjet combustor systems, the prototyping and burn testing of self-insulating missile cases, and the completion of bio-based airframes. The program will also conduct high-fidelity testing of bio-blend endothermic fuel cooling and heat-sink properties for flight applications, as well as materials qualification testing and demonstration of drone manufacturing using bio-manufactured components.

Management services and product development activities are distributed across various contractors and Army research centers, with specific milestones scheduled throughout FY2025 and into FY2026. The program is closely aligned with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's priority areas and supports the Army Modernization Strategy. Work is performed by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, and the Army RDT&E Enterprise.

The Biotechnology for Materials - Dem/Val program complements related efforts under PE 0603386A (Biotechnology for Materials - Advanced Research) and is designed to de-risk cross-cutting and dual-use technologies. By promoting commercialization and supporting the U.S. bioeconomy, the program aims to ensure the Army and broader Department of Defense are prepared to meet current and future material challenges. The program is scheduled for completion in FY2025, with no planned funding for FY2026 and beyond.