The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Inert Impulsive Expendable Acoustic Source (IIEAS)" as part of their Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I program. The objective is to develop an underwater sound source that is impulsive and expendable, without the use of explosives or combustible gas. This technology is typically used for oil and gas exploration, seabed characterization, and underwater target detection. The source should exhibit a peak source level of at least 190 dB/1µPa@1m at water depths of 10-200m or deeper, with an energy spectral density within +/- 10 dB re 1muPa^2 s/Hz @ 1m from 30 Hz to greater than or equal to 20 kHz.
In Phase I, proposers are expected to develop a concept for the impulsive sound source and support it with models and simulations. The concept should describe the mechanistic underpinnings of the source and demonstrate its source level and spectral content as a function of depth in a representative ocean environment.
In Phase II, proposers will develop, build, and demonstrate a hardware version of the source concept. The demonstration source does not have to be expendable but should meet the capabilities stated in the requirements. Proposers should also develop a plan for triggering the source at a specific depth and develop a design for an expendable version of the source compatible with A-size sonobuoys and Signal, Underwater Sound (SUS) form factors.
In Phase III, the goal is to transition the technology to an inert impulsive expendable underwater acoustic source that can be used for transmission loss surveys, geotechnical surveys, and other naval or civil applications. The source should be safer to handle than currently used sources. Proposers will refine the prototype design, fabricate a near-final product, and conduct at-sea experimental test and evaluation. The final product should be suitable for operational surveys or in support of basic and applied research.
The project duration for Phase I is not specified, but the solicitation is open from January 3, 2024, to February 21, 2024. More information can be found on the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities website.