NSTXL #26-05

Solicitation for Alternative Optical Materials for EO/IR Systems (CLEAR Project)

The Department of War Advanced Materials Office, in collaboration with Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, is seeking innovative solutions for the CLEAR (Critical Low-Risk Electro-optic Alternatives for Resilience) project: - Government Buyer: - Department of War Advanced Materials Office (lead agency) - Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (key partner) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the solicitation - Products/Services Requested: - Research, development, and maturation of alternative optical materials for electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) systems - Focus on reducing reliance on critical materials such as germanium and gallium - Solutions supporting EO/IR imaging across multiple spectral bands - Materials enabling multispectral sensing - Enhanced materials and processing to improve performance and manufacturability - Scalable manufacturing processes for EO/IR materials and systems - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Emphasis on strengthening the domestic industrial base for critical EO/IR systems - Solutions must address resilience and scalability in material supply and manufacturing - Period of performance will be determined based on selected proposals, allowing flexibility for innovative approaches

Description

The Department of War Advanced Materials Office, in partnership with Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, is seeking solutions for the CLEAR project focused on developing alternative optical materials for electro-optic and infrared systems. The effort aims to reduce reliance on critical materials like germanium and gallium by advancing resilient material solutions and strengthening the domestic industrial base. Key areas include alternative optical materials, multispectral sensing enablement, enhanced materials and processing, and scalable manufacturing. Solutions are due by June 29, 2026, with a live Q&A event scheduled for June 9, 2026.

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