The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking proposals for the Highly Adaptative Propulsion Experiment (HAP-E) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to investigate and develop modern high-density propulsion systems, such as Solid Rocket Motors, that can be designed and manufactured more efficiently and cost-effectively, addressing supply chain fragility while ensuring reliability for air assets. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the USAF's Long-Range Strike Capacity in the context of Great Power Competition, aiming to reshape the munitions propulsion industrial base to focus on cost and scalability. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, and interested parties can find more information at the provided source link: https://www.sbir.gov/topics/12093.

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Hypersonics; Advanced Infrastructure & Advanced Manufacturing The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: This topic seeks to investigate concepts to design and manufacture more modern high-density propulsion systems such as Solid Rocket Motors or other compact adaptive propulsion systems in shorter timelines at lower costs that can be scaled and adapted for air assets. The concepts should address modernized development processes for the major components of technology (casing, nozzle, etc.) and how it can be adapted, for example, for missile weapon systems. A goal of this effort is to help solve the supply chain fragility while maintaining the reliability of the complete system. DESCRIPTION: This topic aims to strategically align with key focus areas essential for advancing Air Force capabilities for Great Power Competition, specifically our Long-Range Strike Capacity. The focus is on advancing commercial capabilities to minimize cost and enable agile adaption of Solid Rocket Motors or other compact propulsion systems for multiple use cases. Such as for multiple weapon systems that can be easily scaled based upon needed capabilities of the independent weapon systems. The development and production of Solid Rocket Motors is complicated, expensive, and schedule intensive. This technology could provide thrust capabilities to multiple missile weapon systems but is currently limited to a relatively small number of suppliers. The lack of available suppliers limits the development and cost curves of our weapon systems. The DoD recognizes there is a need for a more robust industrial base that can quickly develop and swiftly manufacture Solid Rocket Motors cost-effectively while maintaining reliability of the complete system. A key objective of this effort is to help advance and reshape the munitions propulsion industrial base from one focused on high performance to one focused on cost and quantity. This requires novel new approaches to the design, fabrication, and testing of these motors. This topic is aimed at later stage research and development efforts rather than “front-end” or basic research/research and development. The main deliverables will be modeling and simulation (M&amp;S), T&amp;E of concepts, and sub-scale demonstrations that advance USAF Combatant Commanders capabilities to support Great Power Competition. PHASE I: This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, a Phase I award is not required. The offeror is required to provide detail and documentation in the Direct to Phase II proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a “Phase I-like” effort, including a feasibility study. This includes determining, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have commercial potential. It must have validated the product-market fit between the proposed solution and a potential AF stakeholder. The offeror should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the AF customer. Relevant areas of demonstrated experience and success include: M&S, cost benefit analysis, risk analysis, concept development, concept demonstration and concept evaluation, laboratory experimentation and field testing. Phase I type efforts should include the assessment of emerging operational imperatives and how they show a measurable value and operational impact. The result of Phase I type efforts is to assess and demonstrate whether commercial systems can support the furtherance of the operational imperatives. Phase I efforts should include sub-scale prototypes or demonstration of built hardware which requires additional maturity or further integration for overall system development. PHASE II: Eligibility for a Direct to Phase Two (D2P2) is predicated on the offeror having performed a “Phase I-like” effort predominantly separate from the SBIR/STTR Programs. These efforts will include development of technical approaches, M&S, simulation of prototype concepts, cost benefit analysis, system-of-systems studies, experimentation, and sub-scale demonstrations. Identification of manufacturing/production issues and or business model modifications required to further improve product or process relevance to improved sustainment costs, availability, or safety, should be documented. These Phase II awards are intended to provide a path to commercialization, not the final step for the proposed solution or to fully develop the solution. Phase II efforts shall conduct analysis, M&S, and experimentation to address military-unique requirements that may not be met otherwise by commercial companies. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III shall include upgrades to the analysis, M&S, T&E results, and provide mature prototypes of system concepts. Phase III shall provide a business plan, manufacturing methods, assessment of required infrastructure for continued technology readiness level (TRL) and manufacturing readiness level (MRL) development, finalized form factors and capabilities, and address the ability to transition technology and system concepts to commercial applications. The adapted non-Defense commercial solutions shall provide expanded mission capability for a broad range of potential Governmental and civilian users and alternate mission applications. Integration and other technical support to operational users may be required. REFERENCES: 1. GAO, “Solid Rocketmotors DoD and Industry Are Addressing Challenges to Minimize Supply”, United States Government Accountability Office Concerns, October 2017 2. S. Sankar, ” The Supply Chain Revolution: Innovative Sourcing and Logistics for a Fiercely Competitive World”, American Management Association, 2017. 3. L. Lei, L. DeCandia, R. Oppenheim, Y. Zhao, “Managing Supply Chain Operations”, World Scientific Publishing Co., 2017. KEYWORDS: solid rocket motor, propulsion, long-range strike capacity, munitions

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