Engaging Flexible Fuel Bladders Manufacturers for Aircraft Systems

OUSD (R&E) MODERNIZATION PRIORITY: General Warfighting Requirements (GWR) TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform 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: DLA seeks to expand the qualified industrial base for flexible fuel bladder technologies for aircraft systems. As this is a Direct to Phase II, the fuel bladder manufactures must demonstrate that they have been Phase I qualified on one or more military aircraft fuel cells to MIL-DTL-63961. Through participation in DLA SBIR, Small Business Manufacturers (SBMs) will have an opportunity to collaborate with DLA Weapons System Program Managers (WSPMs) and our customer Engineering Support Activities (ESAs) to develop innovative solutions to qualify as an approved source of supply. In the end, the SBM benefits from the experience by qualifying as a source of supply as well as from the business relationships and experience to further expand their product lines and readiness to fulfill DLA procurement requirements. DESCRIPTION: As a SBIR PHASE I project will not not required, the proposal must demonstrate that the techonology meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of SBIR PHASE I research below: Phase I qualification data for one or more military aircraft fuel cells to MIL-DTL-6396, Completed design and feasibility to produce fuel cells to include lead time, cost, and projected manufacturing volume per month, Historical data on the SBM production of flexible fuel bladders for aircraft, Plan to accomplish MIL-DTL-6396 Phase II Qualification. All Direct to Phase II Proposals should specify a mature technology and manufacturing capable of achieving the Phase II goals. Proposals that fail to demonstrate that they have a technology prepared to achieve the goals will be rejected. PHASE II: Direct to Phase II Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and cost of $1,000,000 PHASE I: As a SBIR PHASE I project will not not required, the proposal must demonstrate that the techonology meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of SBIR PHASE I research below: Phase I qualification data for one or more military aircraft fuel cells to MIL-DTL-6396, Completed design and feasibility to produce fuel cells to include lead time, cost, and projected manufacturing volume per month, Historical data on the SBM production of flexible fuel bladders for aircraft, Plan to accomplish MIL-DTL-6396 Phase II Qualification. PHASE II: DIRECT PHASE II: Develop prototype demonstrations for the approach described in the Phase II Qualification Plan. Perform test and evaluation against the requirements generated in the Phase II Qualification Plan in accordance with MIL-DTL-6396. Upon successful completion of Phase II qualification, produce Low Rate Production fuel cells. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Technology transition via successful demonstration of a new process technology. This demonstration should show near-term application to one or more Department of Defense systems, subsystems, or components. This demonstration should also verify the potential for enhancement of quality, reliability, performance, fuel economy and/or reduction of unit cost or total ownership cost of the proposed subject. Phase III is any proposal that Derives From , Extends or Completes a transition from a Phase I or II project. Phase III proposals will be accepted after the completion of Phase I and or Phase II projects. There is no specific funding associated with Phase III, except Phase III is not allowed to use SBIR/STTR coded funding. Any other type of funding is allowed. Phase III proposal Submission. Phase III proposals are emailed directly to DLA SBIR2@dla.mil. The PMO team will set up evaluations and coordinate the funding and contracting actions depending on the outcome of the evaluations. A Phase III proposal should follow the same format as Phase II for the content, and format. There are, however, no limitations to the amount of funding requested, or the period of performance. All other guidelines apply. COMMERCIALIZATION: The SBM will pursue commercialization of the various technologies and processes developed in prior phases through transition to a government aircraft program of record and/or private sector aircraft. REFERENCES: MIL-DTL-6396 Tanks, Fuel, Oil, Cooling Fluids, Internal, Removable Non-Self Sealing, Revision F/AM-1, December 2021. KEYWORDS: aircraft, fuel bladder, non-self sealing, fuel