US Production of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic-Yielding Preceramic Polymers

The United States Air Force, under the Department of Defense, is soliciting Direct-to-Phase-II proposals for solicitation DAF27BZ01-DV009 to establish the domestic, scaled production of AFRL-patented ultra-high temperature ceramic-yielding preceramic polymers. These materials serve as critical precursors for C/C-UHTCs composites used in high-temperature aerospace applications, specifically for propulsion and aeroshell components. The project has a maximum value of 2,000,000 dollars and a performance period not to exceed 24 months. This is a total small business set-aside requiring registration in the System for Award Management and compliance with specific small business ownership and control regulations. The scope of work requires the awardee to develop a safe, robust, and scalable chemical manufacturing process that meets purity and volume targets, including a thorough safety and handling analysis for all reagents and waste. Key deliverables include five 1 kg samples for AFRL verification and a final delivery of 75 kg of qualified UHTC preceramic polymer. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, qualifications of key personnel, and commercial potential, with cost also considered. Awardees must adhere to strict cybersecurity standards, including CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance, and follow federal regulations regarding export-controlled items and the reporting of subject inventors.