SBIR / STTR #A244-036

Army SBIR Solicitation for Laminated Metallic Armor and Force Structure Transformation

This Army SBIR opportunity seeks innovative solutions for advanced armor and force structure transformation: - Government Buyer: - Department of the Army, Department of Defense - Army SBIR Program Office and Headquarters, Department of the Army - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - QuesTek Innovations LLC - Hardwire LLC - Alotech Limited LLC - Hy-Tek Manufacturing Co. Inc. - Products/Services Requested: - Laminated metallic armor plates for vehicle integration - Advanced alloys referenced: Ferrium M54, ATI K-12-MIL - High-strength structural components for armored vehicles - Multi-Domain Task Forces (5 units) - Integrated Air and Missile Defense Components (17 units) - Computational engineering, feasibility demonstration, property characterization, ballistic assessment, weldability demonstration, scalability evaluation, and cost modeling - AI-Enhanced TPS development for weapon system electronics maintenance - Recruiting transformation services - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Armor must be compatible with existing welding processes and reduce vehicle weight while maintaining protection - Emphasis on domestic, scalable, low-cost production methods - Demonstration of technical feasibility, scalability, and cost modeling in Phase I - Ballistic merit and weldability must be validated - Army force structure transformation includes creation of new task forces and professionalized recruiting - Opportunity is set aside for small businesses, with a maximum Phase I award of $250,000 over six months - Potential for future phases and commercial applications (vehicles, safes, construction/mining wear plates)

Locations: - Primary place of performance and delivery: Department of the Army offices in Arlington, VA - Headquarters, Department of the Army (Arlington, VA)

Technical and business readers should note: - OEMs are highlighted for their expertise in advanced alloys and armor systems - The solicitation targets both innovative manufacturing processes and organizational transformation for the Army

Description

The Army seeks low-cost, high-yield domestic production processes for laminated metallic armor plates and high strength structural components that can be integrated into vehicle structures using existing welding processes. These armor systems aim to significantly reduce weight while maintaining force protection. Phase I focuses on demonstrating feasibility, producing validation plates, characterizing properties, assessing ballistic merit, demonstrating weldability, and developing a cost model. Phase II aims to mature manufacturing controls, improve ballistic performance, increase armor thickness, and scale up manufacturing processes. Phase III targets commercial applications including lightweight armor for vehicles, vaults, safes, and wear plates for construction and mining.

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