Direct to Phase II- Verifying Domestic Sourced or Manufactured Nodular Aluminum (Al) Powder Can Meet Military Requirements

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Materials The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks to provide responsive, best value supplies consistently to our customers. DLA continually investigates diverse technologies for manufacturing which would lead to the highest level of innovation in the discrete-parts support of fielded weapon systems (many of which were designed in the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's) with a future impact on both commercial technology and government applications. As such, advanced technology demonstrations for affordability and advanced industrial practices to demonstrate the combination of improved discrete-parts manufacturing and improved business methods are of interest. All these areas of manufacturing technologies provide potential avenues toward achieving breakthrough advances. Proposed efforts funded under this topic may encompass any specific discrete-parts or materials manufacturing or processing technology at any level resulting in a unit cost reduction. Research and Development efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a degree of risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work has not been fully established. Further, proposed efforts must be judged to be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or less, but greater than TRL 3 to receive funding consideration. TRL 3. (Analytical and Experimental Critical Function and/or Characteristic Proof of Concept) TRL 6. (System/Subsystem Model or Prototype Demonstration in a Relevant Environment) DESCRIPTION: DLA R&D is looking to develop domestic capability to create a qualified Nodular Aluminum Powder and the availability of material supply for use at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (MCAAP) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC). Nodular Aluminum Powder is widely used in a number of munition systems. Nodular Aluminum Powder is also known as atomized aluminum powder and has unique properties will allow it to adequately raise the reaction temperature of a detonation due to its low sensitivity and good mechanical properties. The purpose of this work is to establish an economically viable and qualified domestic source of Nodular Aluminum Powder. R&D tasks include qualifying domestically manufactured or sourced powder by working with MCAAP and JMC to meet their militrary requirements. PHASE I: To satisfy the Phase I requirement, please Provide a Proof of Concept developed to the TRL-3 Level PHASE II: Direct to PHASE II: 12 Months $1,500,000 Design, optimize, manufacture and qualify Nodular Aluminum Powder to be used for military applications specifcally for MCAAP and JMC. Qualifaction would include, but is not limited to, prototype quantities, data analysis and laboratory tests. Optimization would determine the ideal manufacturing processees that can meet desired property specifications used in military applications. Qualified designs would meet property specifications used in military applications. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: At this point, no specific funding is associated with Phase III. Progress made in Phase I and Phase II should result in the ability to produce to DoD orders and organic growth of business from there. REFERENCES: 1. extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://us-west-1-02880055-inspect.menlosecurity.com/safeview-fileserv/tc_download/bf7b74e726c79549a6b39aad13ee11585e896a95e6eb6074945b155a69852c39/?&cid=N52EB4FF12E53_&rid=949415458ad945b74313f2249875f583&file_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hsdl.org%2Fc%2Fview%3Fdocid%3D764766&type=original KEYWORDS: advanced materials