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Nanocomposite Optical Ceramic (NCOC) Dome Scale-Up Program

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BAA-AFRL-RQKM-2015-0030Federal

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

AI Contract Overview

The contract focuses on advancing the manufacturing capabilities of Nanocomposite Optical Ceramic (NCOC) hemispherical domes, a novel material class offering superior mid-wave infrared (MWIR) transparency, low emissivity, and high durability for military applications. Currently, NCOC domes have been fabricated in limited quantities at the laboratory scale, but existing processes are insufficient for producing the required volumes for military deployment. This program aims to elevate the manufacturing readiness level to MRL 7 by scaling up production methods capable of consistently producing at least 1000 domes annually. Key performance targets include an MWIR optical absorption coefficient under 0.2 cm-1, total integrated scatter below 0.3%, and fracture strength exceeding 500 MPa. The 36-month effort will develop and refine critical manufacturing processes such as powder production, dome blank forming, heat treatment, optical fabrication, and coatings, with the goal to enhance yield, increase throughput, and reduce costs. The overarching objective is to transition NCOC dome technology from laboratory demonstration to full-rate production to support its integration into military systems over the next three to five years. The contract is managed by the Department of Defense through the Air Force Research Laboratory, with points of contact designated for contracting and project engineering responsibilities.

General Info

Develop scalable manufacturing for durable Nanocomposite Optical Ceramic domes meeting military optical and strength standards.

Agency

Department Of Defense → FA8650 USAF Afmc Afrl Pzl Afrl/pzl

NAICS

541712 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Place of Performance

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

BAA-AFRL-RQKM-2015-0030.pdf

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Timeline

PhasePresolicitation

PostedJul 27

Presolicitation

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Organization & Contact Information

AgencyDepartment Of Defense → FA8650 USAF Afmc Afrl Pzl Afrl/pzl

Contacts2 people available

OfficeWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, USA

Organization / AgencyDepartment Of Defense → FA8650 USAF Afmc Afrl Pzl Afrl/pzl

Office AddressWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, USA

Contacts

P. S. StraderContracting Officer

contact@example.gov

+1 (555) 000-0000

Jamie HoffProject Engineer

contact@example.gov

+1 (555) 000-0000

Full Description

Nanocomposite optical ceramics (NCOC) represents a new class of mid wave infrared (MWIR) transparent and high durability window/dome materials. NCOC offers superior transmittance and low emissivity as compared to other MWIR materials. A need exists to establish a manufacturing capability to support fielding NCOC components on military systems within the next 3-5 years. Hemispherical domes have been successfully fabricated in small quantities in a laboratory setting; however existing processes are not capable of supporting full rate production quantities. The objective of the Nanocomposite Optical Ceramic Dome Scale-Up program is to increase the manufacturing readiness levels for hemispherical NCOC dome manufacturing. The intent is to scale-up existing dome manufacturing processes capable of yielding NCOC ceramic components with average MWIR optical absorption coeffcient of <0.2 cm-1 and total integrated scatter of <0.3% and characteristic fracture strength of >500 MPa. Processes will need to support full rate production quantities of at least 1000 domes per year (MRL 7). These processes include but are not limited to powder production, dome blank forming, dome heat treatment, optical fabrication, and coatings. These processes are critical to the success of transitioning the NCOC dome technology to military applications. The focus will be on increasing yield and throughput, while reducing the cost for NCOC domes. The program will be a 36 month effort.