Use of Laser Welding for Fabrication of Nickel Based Superalloy Aerostructures and Propulsion Components
ID: AF25A-T003Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Use of Laser Welding for Fabrication of Nickel Based Superalloy Aerostructures and Propulsion Components

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: STTRPhase: BOTH

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 proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topic titled "Use of Laser Welding for Fabrication of Nickel Based Superalloy Aerostructures and Propulsion Components." The objective is to develop precise laser welding parameters for high-performance nickel-based superalloys with thicknesses exceeding 0.25 inches, aiming to enhance manufacturing processes compared to traditional electron beam welding. This initiative is crucial for advancing the fabrication of components used in air and space structures and propulsion systems. The solicitation is currently in the pre-release phase, with the open date set for January 8, 2025, and proposals due by February 5, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official DOD SBIR/STTR website.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    PDF.html
    Similar Opportunities
    Complex Geometries for Extended Wear Respirators Towards Regenerable Particulate Matter Protection -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense is seeking innovative solutions through the SBIR program to develop a rugged, 3D-printable, PFAS-free particulate filtration impactor system for extended-wear respirators in military operational environments. The objective is to create a regenerable filtration system that effectively reduces particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) exposure, addressing current limitations such as discomfort, clogging, and single-use constraints, while ensuring minimal breathing resistance during aerobic activities. This technology is crucial for protecting warfighters from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases associated with high airborne particulate levels. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on December 10, 2025, with applications due by December 31, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    Far Forward Manufacturing of CBRN Sensors -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the Far Forward Manufacturing (FFM) of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) sensors, as outlined in solicitation number CBD254-008. The objective is to accelerate the production of compact and economical CBRN sensors that require minimal logistical footprints, enabling real-time threat detection for warfighters while reducing reliance on complex supply chains through advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and biomanufacturing. This initiative is critical for ensuring force readiness and adaptability in modern warfare, with potential dual-use applications in commercial sectors like clinical diagnostics and environmental sensing. Interested parties should note that Phase I proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with potential funding of up to $500,000 available for successful Phase II performers who secure additional non-SBIR/STTR funding.
    Novel Sampling Tickets for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) of Chemical and Biological (CB) Threat Materials -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the development of novel sampling tickets designed for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) to detect chemical and biological (CB) threat materials. The primary objective is to create physically semi-porous, flexible coupons that enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of existing handheld Raman detectors, which currently face challenges in identifying trace amounts of hazardous substances from various surfaces in operational environments. This initiative is crucial for improving the capabilities of military units in detecting a range of threats, including nerve agents and toxins, thereby enhancing battlefield safety and operational effectiveness. Interested parties should note that the solicitation number is CBD254-006, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and proposals are due by December 31, 2025. For more information, please visit the DOD SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Boost-Phase Missile Defense in the Endo-Atmospheric Region -
    DOD
    The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is soliciting innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) capable of conducting boost-phase missile defense within the endo-atmospheric region, specifically below 120 km altitude. The initiative aims to address critical capability gaps by developing compact, high-performance platforms that enable rapid, precise, and survivable engagements from space, focusing on high-G propulsion systems, advanced seekers, and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) interceptors integrated into space vehicles. This effort is crucial for establishing a layered missile defense architecture and enhancing national security against evolving missile threats. Interested parties should prepare Direct-to-Phase-II proposals, as Phase I awards will not be made, with applications due by December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Li-ion 6T Battery Focused Open Topic -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking innovative solutions from small businesses through the SBIR program for the Li-ion 6T Battery Focused Open Topic. This initiative aims to address critical technical challenges related to MIL-PRF-32565 Li-ion 6T batteries, including the development of power beaming or wireless charging devices, advanced thermal runaway and fire mitigating materials, automated battery maintenance tools, and compact devices for combining batteries of various specifications for higher voltage applications. These batteries are vital for enhancing military fuel efficiency and operational capabilities, and the program offers funding of up to $250,000 for Phase I proposals, which are due by December 31, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website.
    RF Frontend Design (RFE) on Gallium Nitride on Silicon (GaN-on-Si) Open Topic -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), is seeking proposals for the design, development, and demonstration of a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and power amplifier (PA) utilizing GlobalFoundries' 200-mm Gallium Nitride on Silicon (GaN-on-Si) technology. The objective is to enhance output power density, linearity, and efficiency in radio communication systems for both military and commercial applications, addressing the current lack of integrated solutions in this technology space. This initiative is critical for improving the performance of RF frontend circuitry, which is essential for radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems. Proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with the opportunity to access government-furnished equipment for prototyping, and interested parties can find more information at the DOD SBIR website.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Threats -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of space-based interceptors (SBIs) designed to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during their midcourse or glide phases of flight. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a layered missile defense architecture that integrates advanced sensing, autonomy, and kinetic interception capabilities, focusing on compact, high-performance interceptors that can operate in extreme thermal environments and manage unpredictable trajectories. The opportunity is structured as a Direct-to-Phase II effort, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility and provide a comprehensive development timeline, with key deadlines set for proposal submission by December 31, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official solicitation portal at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Integrated S&T Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of an Integrated Science and Technology (S&T) Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Task Force Futures (TF-F) and other USSF stakeholders. The platform is intended to provide a secure, modular, and user-centric system that offers comprehensive visibility into the industry and investment ecosystem, focusing on S&T capabilities, capital flow patterns, and innovation trends relevant to future space operations. This initiative is critical for improving the alignment of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) priorities with commercial innovation, reducing inefficiencies, and strengthening institutional knowledge for data-informed co-investment strategies. Interested parties should note that this is a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) effort, requiring prior feasibility work, with proposals due by December 31, 2025. For more information, applicants can visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Novel Technologies for CWMD and Related Threats - Open Topic -
    DOD
    The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking innovative solutions through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop novel technologies for detecting radiological and nuclear threats without the use of specialized sensors. The objective is to utilize signals from existing general-purpose military hardware, commercially available devices, and public data sources to enhance the detection capabilities for weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This initiative is crucial for overcoming the challenges associated with the high costs and lengthy timelines of developing new military hardware for WMD detection. The project is structured in three phases: Phase I focuses on identifying feasible use cases and developing a course of action; Phase II involves building and testing a model or prototype; and Phase III aims to refine the technology for broader dual-use applications in defense, government, and commercial sectors. The solicitation is currently in pre-release status, with an open date set for December 10, 2025, and a close date of December 31, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website.
    Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment tailored for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations. The objective is to develop an adaptable software platform capable of ingesting, integrating, and analyzing high-volume, low-latency data from diverse space-based sources, enhancing real-time situational awareness and mission adaptability for the Department of Defense’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This initiative is critical for enabling automated decision-making and timely execution of operations, supporting the USSF's goal of improving data-to-decision agility and operational responsiveness. Interested parties must prepare Direct-to-Phase II proposals, demonstrating a completed feasibility study and a clear integration plan with Department of Air Force operations, with the application deadline set for December 31, 2025.