Advanced Manufacturing of Cryocoolers for Infrared IR sensors

The Department of the Air Force and U.S. Space Force is seeking proposals for the development of advanced manufacturing processes for infrared (IR) cryocoolers, which are critical components for cooling infrared detectors to cryogenic temperatures. The objective is to enhance the quality and reliability of these cryocoolers while significantly reducing production costs from the current $3-5 million per unit to below $1 million, and ideally to $250,000 per unit, with a production target of at least 50 units per year. This initiative is vital for ensuring the availability of effective and reliable cryocoolers, which are currently sourced from large prime contractors or foreign suppliers. The solicitation is set to open on January 8, 2025, with proposals due by February 5, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.