This Government Contract opportunity from Department Of Defense was posted on June 10, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
Critical Low-risk Electro-optic Alternatives for Resilience (CLEAR)
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The Department of Defense through Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane is seeking innovative alternatives to germanium and gallium-based materials used in electro-optic and infrared imaging sensors to mitigate supply chain risks caused by recent Chinese export restrictions. These materials are critical for SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR optical components due to their superior transmission and refractive properties, but their restricted availability threatens the resilience of U.S. defense systems reliant on these sensors for surveillance, situational awareness, and targeting. The CLEAR initiative aims to identify and develop domestic, low-risk substitutes that maintain or enhance optical performance without compromising system functionality or durability. Proposals must demonstrate technical feasibility, scalability, and compatibility with existing EO/IR platforms, prioritizing materials that are not subject to foreign supply chain vulnerabilities. This solicitation, numbered N00164199001, is open for responses until June 29, 2026, and falls under NAICS code 541715 for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The effort is classified as a special notice with no set-aside restrictions, allowing all eligible entities to compete. Proposers must submit technical and commercial solutions that address material substitution, performance validation, and transition pathways into current and future defense programs. Primary point of contact is Lacie Axsom at NSWC Crane in Crane, Indiana, with Judy Blanton as secondary contact, both reachable via email and phone for questions regarding scope, evaluation criteria, or submission requirements. Full details and submission access are available through the SAM.gov portal.
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NAICS
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INSet-Aside
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Submission Closed
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Full Description
Electro-optic (EO, VIS) and infrared (IR) video imaging sensors (i.e., cameras) are widely used for situational awareness, surveillance, and targeting. The Department of War (DoW) deploys such cameras in multiple spectral bands, including short-, mid-, and long wave IR, a.k.a. SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR respectively. In IR, especially the MWIR and LWIR spectral bands, germanium has advantageous optical properties such as high index of refraction, higher transmission, and lower dispersion compared to other available materials. Gallium-based materials are also highly used in IR optical components. Since 2023, China has heavily increased regulations on export of critical materials to the United States. Now export licenses are required for germanium, gallium, antimony, heavy rare earth elements, tellurium, indium, and more. Optical components reliant on germanium and gallium are especially costly and availability is critically threatened. It is therefore necessary to establish alternative domestic materials for EO/IR systems.
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