A -- Materials for Optimally Responsive Fabricated Structures (MORFS)

The Office of the Secretary of Defense through the Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Non-Metallic Division, Structural Materials Branch (AFRL/MLBC) is seeking information on structural material composite technologies capable of large changes in shape and/or mechanical properties. The structural properties must be sufficiently robust to withstand mechanical and thermal loads of traditional air and space applications in one operational state, but also able to be repeatedly modulate or deformed without over taxing the power system of the weapons platform or degrading the structure. The information provided through the responses is expected to be used to draft a Request for Proposals (RFP) planned for released in early 2006 on the topic of Materials for Optimally Responsive Fabricated Structures (MORFS). The Government is interested in obtaining information from industry to identify the current state-of-the-art and advancements (potential and under development) for - morphing, - adaptive, - symbiotic, - responsive, or - situationally aware structural materials technologies that have potential application in current and future air and space applications including - morphing air vehicles, deformable space structures, and possibly airbase infrastructure. The primary attribute of the envisioned material system is the ability to change shape or mechanical properties of a structural composite in order to facilitate multi-mission needs within a given thermal environment. This implies that the materials technology would have previously been shown to have sufficient mechanical and thermal promise to be useful in current applications. Material systems that can also adapt their thermal, electrical, or optical properties are considered to be important in constructing multifunctional composites and will enable numerous applications. However, these should be considered secondarily to the structural modulation. The envisioned technology could use many of the integration and processing methods of traditional fiber reinforced polymeric matrix composites to meet both primary and secondary attributes, but should definitely be sufficiently novel from past work (piezo patches, large hinges, etc.) to warrant investigation as a material system. It is not directly implied that the material system is required to be the source of activation or actuation. Responders to this request for information, should describe (1) the relevant technology and underlying mechanisms, (2) current and expected performance in terms of amount of structural change, energy requirements, speed of activation, (3) technology maturity status (commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), qualification unit, breadboard, technology readiness level (TRL), manufacturing readiness level (MRL), etc.), (4) key technical or logistical challenges in inserting technology into current systems; and (5) expected impact applications (i.e. subsonic aeroelastic tailoring, deformation of space optics, etc.). Respondents should indicate which portions of their response are proprietary and should mark them accordingly. Formal responses should be e-mailed (preferred), faxed or mailed to: Det 1 AFRL/PKMN (Attn: Mr. Mark A. Wade) 2310 8th Street, Bldg 167 Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7801 e-mail: mark.wade@wpafb.af.mil Phone: (937) 255-5402 FAX: (937) 255-5302 Technical questions regarding this RFI should be directed to Dr. Jeffery Baur, AFRL/MLBC, (937) 255-9143. Responses are requested NO LATER THAN 22 Dec 2005. Given the need for a rapid response to this RFI, lengthy and elaborate presentation material and explanations are optional. Marketing materials are not a sufficient response to this RFI. Please limit responses to no more than 10 pages. Information requested under Note 25 does not count towards the 10 pages. Submissions shall be in font equivalent to a standard 10-pitch type or larger. Examples of standard 10 POINT business fonts which are equivalent to 10 pitch are Arial, Bookman, or Roman. Pages shall be double-spaced, single-sided, 8.5 by 11 inches. This limitation includes all information, e.g., indices, photographs, foldouts, appendices, attachments, etc. The government will not consider pages in excess of this limitation. Submittals via e-mail are preferred. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. In addition, a security clearance will be required. Interested parties must maintain, or have the ability to provide, secure facilities and possess, or have the ability to obtain, a US Secret level security clearance. All routine communications regarding this announcement should be directed to the technical or contractual points of contact listed above. All responsible sources may submit information that shall be considered by the agency. See Note(s): 25.