The Department of Defense (DOD) is launching the OSD254-002 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) initiative, aimed at identifying and developing novel materials and material configurations to enhance military operations. This opportunity seeks innovative prototypes that demonstrate unique properties, such as advanced optical or electromagnetic characteristics and superior environmental responses, with a focus on scalability and manufacturability. The program is structured in three phases: Phase I involves the development and validation of proposed materials, Phase II focuses on prototype demonstration and independent assessments, and Phase III aims to operationalize these innovations for both military and civilian applications. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website, with the solicitation opening on December 4, 2024, and closing on January 8, 2025.

## Description

As one of the fundamental building blocks of military systems, materials or material configurations represent a set of unique opportunities for innovation in military systems and mission applications. The Department of Defense seeks to tap into the innovation and industrial capacity of the small business sector to generate novel materials or material configurations, demonstrate their scalability and manufacturability, and apply them to relevant challenges and use cases.

## Objective

The goal of this SBIR is to identify innovative prototype materials or material configurations at different levels of maturity in the Small Business Sector and rapidly move from concepts to demonstrated prototypes. For the purposes of this SBIR a novel material is one with non-traditional or unique and unexpected material qualities such as (but not limited to) novel optical or electromagnetic transmittance, strength or corrosion resistance, or dynamic response to environmental variables. Novel configurations include (but are not limited to) novel methods of manufacturing, packaging, reconfiguring, or deploying materials. Novel prototype materials or material configurations are desired which could meet mission requirements across a wide set of potential missions and in all domains of military operations. Prototype materials or concepts submitted for consideration will be assessed with a special emphasis on novelty and future mission potential. Material solutions that are scalable, versatile, and meet clear military needs will be prioritized. All materials or material configurations should clearly state what differentiates them from current solutions, highlighting projected performance improvements and their potential mission applications. 

## Phase I

Development of proposed materials or material configurations and validation of proposed prototypes. Proposals at this phase should articulate and model the unique and differentiating attributes of a proposed material or material configuration for military applications at the Unclassified level. The final deliverable shall be a formal report, to include relevant material testing and demonstrations, which defines how the Small Business can build and test the desired material or material configuration and detailed plans (estimated costs, manufacturing considerations, material sourcing plan, plans for independent material assessments &amp; measurements, etc.) to produce them in limited quantities if awarded the Phase II effort.

## Phase II

Development of prototypes based on Phase I or existing work for demonstration and validation. The second phase shall include (a) material or material configuration selection for relevant missions (b) independent assessment materials or material configurations as required by Government sponsors to validate the key properties of proposed prototypes and operational utility (c) efforts to develop, test, and deploy prototype devices which benefit from novel material solutions or material configurations in applicable test ranges or in operational tests. A completed prototype shall be delivered to the Government at the end of Phase II.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Operationalization of the prototype to military and civilian missions is the final goal in Phase III. The novel material or material configuration demonstrated in Phase II will be modified as required and integrated into products meeting Department of Defense requirements. This demonstrated prototype solution shall be produced in limited quantities to prove feasibility of production at required rates. Novel material solutions or material configurations will be commercialized and transition to relevant military missions or platforms.

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The Department of Defense is seeking innovative materials and configurations through the OSD254-002 SBIR initiative, specifically to identify and develop novel prototypes that can enhance military operations. The program emphasizes collaborations with the small business sector to explore materials with unique properties, such as advanced optical or electromagnetic attributes and superior environmental responses. In the first phase, small businesses are to develop and validate proposed materials, providing detailed plans for potential production. The second phase focuses on the demonstration of prototypes tailored for military needs, including independent assessments to confirm their effectiveness. Ultimately, Phase III aims to operationalize these innovations for both military and civilian applications, ensuring that successful prototypes can be commercialized and integrated into relevant missions. The overall goal is to leverage advancements in materials science to meet the evolving demands of military operations while highlighting the unique characteristics and benefits of the proposed solutions.

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