Chemical-Free Robotic Vegetation Control for Base Facilities and Runways
ID: AF242-D006Type: Phase II
Overview

Topic

Chemical-Free Robotic Vegetation Control for Base Facilities and Runways

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: Phase II

Topic Link

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/

Additional Information

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions for chemical-free robotic vegetation control to enhance base facilities and runways. The objective is to develop autonomous technologies that can effectively manage vegetation in hard-to-reach areas, thereby reducing manpower requirements and eliminating the use of toxic herbicides, which pose health risks to personnel. This initiative is critical for preventing foreign object debris (FOD) and ensuring the safety and operational readiness of aircraft, while also addressing broader agricultural sustainability concerns. Proposals for this Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) opportunity are due by June 12, 2024, with further details available on the official SBIR website.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    1729929015192.pdf
    The AF242-D006 initiative aims to develop automated, chemical-free solutions for vegetation control at Air Force bases, particularly to minimize manpower, costs, and the environmental impact of herbicides. This Direct-to-Phase-II project seeks technology that can operate autonomously in hard-to-reach areas to mitigate foreign object debris (FOD) risks while supporting regenerative agriculture practices. The military and commercial applications emphasize sustainable practices in both military base maintenance and broader agricultural settings, ensuring a reliable food supply for warfighters and broader populations.
    Similar Opportunities
    Detection of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems in Cluttered Environments -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop effective sensor technologies for the detection of small uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operating in cluttered environments. The primary objective is to create a system capable of autonomously detecting low-flying UAS that may be obscured by trees or buildings, addressing the challenges posed by these threats to military installations. This initiative is critical for enhancing air defense capabilities, particularly as UAS technology evolves and enables coordinated swarm tactics that complicate detection efforts. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is open from April 2, 2025, to May 21, 2025, with proposals required to demonstrate a prototype capable of achieving at least 80% detection effectiveness and less than 20% false alarms during Phase II. For more details, applicants can refer to the solicitation document available at SBIR.gov.
    Autonomous Internal Exploration and Inspection of Confined Spaces -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions through the SBIR program for the development of autonomous robotic systems capable of inspecting confined spaces, such as fuel tanks. The primary objective is to research and develop sensing technologies and software controls that enable robots to navigate and perform inspections autonomously in hazardous environments characterized by low oxygen levels and toxic gases. This technology is crucial for enhancing safety and efficiency in inspections that are currently labor-intensive and time-consuming, thereby improving operational readiness of military assets. Interested parties must submit their proposals by May 21, 2025, with the opportunity being open for submissions starting April 2, 2025. For more details, visit the official solicitation page at https://www.sbir.gov/topics/11913.
    Shop Floor Human Detection Using Low-Cost Equipment -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the development of a system titled "Shop Floor Human Detection Using Low-Cost Equipment." The objective is to create a prototype system that utilizes three-dimensional time-of-flight (ToF) sensors and software controls to enable mobile heavy industrial robots to operate safely in environments populated by humans, thereby eliminating the need for traditional static safety measures. This initiative is critical as it addresses the evolving demands for automation in dynamic industrial settings, ensuring safety while enhancing operational efficiency. Interested parties must submit their proposals by May 21, 2025, with the opportunity being open for applications starting April 2, 2025. For more details, visit the official solicitation page at SBIR.gov.
    Omni directional aircraft mover for F-16 -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions for the development of an omni-directional aircraft mover designed for the F-16 aircraft. The objective is to create a system that allows for the movement of aircraft in all directions, facilitating operations in maintenance and repair environments, particularly during corrosion control activities, while reducing the need for extensive tow lanes. This technology aims to enhance the accuracy of aircraft placement for automated tooling processes, addressing limitations of traditional aircraft tugs. The solicitation is currently open, with proposals due by May 21, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link. Interested parties are encouraged to review the requirements and submit their applications accordingly.
    F-35 Scuff Sanding Test and Demonstration -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions for the F-35 Scuff Sanding Test and Demonstration under the SBIR program. The objective is to develop a robotic system capable of automating the scuff sanding process for the F-35 aircraft, aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce labor intensity, and minimize workplace injuries associated with manual sanding. This initiative is critical as it addresses the laborious nature of current sanding practices, which have led to high employee turnover and safety concerns. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is open from April 2, 2025, to May 21, 2025, with further details available at the provided source link, and must comply with ITAR regulations regarding foreign nationals.
    Rapid Identification of Pathogens from Environmental Resources (Direct to Phase II) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a product capable of rapidly identifying military-relevant pathogens from environmental sources, as part of the SBIR program, specifically under the Direct to Phase II initiative. The objective is to create and validate a material product that can effectively detect bacteria, viruses, and fungi in various environmental samples, addressing the urgent need for improved environmental surveillance methods to enhance public health and military readiness. This initiative is particularly significant given the increasing recognition of environmental surveillance as a critical tool for monitoring outbreaks and assessing risks associated with pathogens, with potential applications in both military and civilian contexts. Proposals are due by April 30, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and submit their applications through the DOD's SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    xTechOverwatch Open Topic -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking small business concerns to participate in the xTechOverwatch Open Topic under the SBIR program, aimed at developing advanced autonomous unmanned systems. The objective is to create systems such as uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs), and sensor networks that can perform dynamic overwatch positioning, adapt to terrain, and operate collaboratively with minimal human intervention. This initiative is crucial for enhancing situational awareness and mission effectiveness in military operations, leveraging technologies like AI, robotics, and secure communications. Interested parties must submit proposals by May 21, 2025, with funding available up to $2 million for an 18-month performance period, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    Low-Altitude Passive Detection System -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking innovative solutions for a Low-Altitude Passive Detection System aimed at enhancing the detection of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) operating at low altitudes. The objective is to develop a cost-effective, modular system capable of passive detection and identification of sUAS threats, providing a minimum notification time of three minutes from initial detection, and integrating seamlessly with existing Army systems. This initiative is crucial for improving advance warning capabilities for ground-based units against low-altitude threats, with potential applications extending to commercial sectors such as perimeter security and environmental monitoring. Interested parties can submit Direct to Phase II proposals for funding up to $2 million, with the application due by May 21, 2025. For further details, visit the solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Autonomous and Adaptive Cold Spray Repair -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking proposals for the development of an autonomous and adaptive cold spray (CS) repair system aimed at enhancing the repair of damaged panel fastener holes using robotic technology. The primary objective is to demonstrate a robotic arm's capability to autonomously identify damaged areas, pre-machine holes, apply cold spray materials, and post-machine to restore dimensions, thereby reducing the time and costs associated with current robotic path-planning methods. This initiative is crucial for advancing repair processes in military applications, particularly for components like Integrally Bladed Rotors (IBR), which require precise and efficient repair techniques. Interested parties must submit their proposals by May 21, 2025, with the opportunity to transition to Phase II for further development and demonstration of the technology, as outlined in the solicitation available at SBIR.gov.
    Capabilities for the Detection or Classification of Physical Damage using Remote Sensing -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative technologies for the automated detection and classification of physical damage using remote sensing, as outlined in the SBIR opportunity titled "Capabilities for the Detection or Classification of Physical Damage using Remote Sensing." The objective is to develop solutions that can automate damage assessments of infrastructure and buildings over large areas, which is crucial for effective resource allocation in humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery efforts. This initiative emphasizes the need for reliable identification of physical damage, with outputs compatible with GIS software and accompanied by confidence values, while ensuring the protection of sensitive algorithm information. Proposals are due by May 21, 2025, with the opportunity accepting both Phase I and Direct to Phase II submissions. Interested parties can find more details and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website.