Low Cost Rapid-setting Cement for Time-Sensitive Airport Runway Crater Repairs

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Mission Readiness / Disaster Preparedness 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: Develop a low cost rapid-setting-all-weather materials that can be applied to craters, making damaged runways operational in less than 24 hours from the start of repair, requiring minimal logistical support, power, and requirements under extreme conditions. DESCRIPTION: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is looking to increase domestic capability to manufacture low cost rapid-setting-all-weather materials that can be applied to craters to make damaged runways operational in less than 24 hours from the start of the repair. DLA is looking to execute an SBIR program to attempt to analyze a way forward in supporting the manufacturing of low cost rapid-setting-all-weather materials that have sufficient flexibility to repair everything from potholes to full-size craters. Level of manpower skills required to make repairs should be equal or less than those presently used. The solution must be able to sustain heavy aircraft traffic in elevated temperatures, heavy rains, and other extreme weather conditions. Resulting debris must not be siphoned by moving tires, strong winds and jet blasts. Performance of solution must be validated and tested by heavy transport aircrafts (>840,000 lbs.) and high thermal effect (>930 degree Celsius). PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 months and cost of $100,000. The research and development goals of Phase I are to provide eligible Small Business firms the opportunity to successfully demonstrate the viability of a low cost rapid-setting-all-weather materials once the project is awarded. The main effort will be to conduct preliminary studies to propose details of design and manufacture of low cost rapid-setting-all-weather cement, showing feasibility and benefit to the Department of Defense (DoD). A plan to demonstrate the manufacture of low-cost-rapid-setting-all-weather cement must also address implementation approaches for near term insertion into DoD. Relationships with potential customers such as the DLA Troop Support Class IV Construction and Equipment Major Subordinate Command will be included in the Phase I effort to aid in component identification, guide design efforts, and support the impact and insertion analyses. The deliverables for this project will include a final report describing the results from these analyses. PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and cost of $1,800,000. Based on the results of PHASE I, the research and development goals of PHASE II will demonstrate commercial viability by successfully producing a low cost rapid-setting-all-weather cement. Tasks to be accomplished include material design and formulation, development of wire drawing schedules to manage manufacturing processes, and meet the specifications and standards, provided by the industrial base. Sufficient validation trials will be conducted to support analyses of manufacturing at commercial scale, including cost, cycle time and commercial benefit of the innovation. Remaining technical gaps will be identified. Innovative processes should be developed with the intent to readily transition to production in support of DoD needs. A partnership with a current or potential DoD supplier, Original Equipment Manufacturer, or other suitable partners is highly desirable. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Dual Use Applications: At this time, no specific funding is associated with PHASE III. Progress documented from PHASE I and PHASE II should result in a vendor's qualification as an approved source for low cost rapid-setting-all-weather cement manufacturing for civil or commercial applications, enabling participation in future procurements. COMMERCIALIZATION: The vendor will pursue commercialization of low cost rapid-setting-all-weather cement developed in prior phases, as well as potential commercial sales of any parts or other items. REFERENCES: 1. ERDC Publication Notifications - New Releases (army.mil) https://www.erdc.usace.army.mil/Media/Publication-Notices/Tag/163141/rapid-setting-materials/ KEYWORDS: Rapid-setting Cement for Time-Sensitive Airport Runway Crater Repairs