SBIR / STTR #DME26TZ05-NP001

Cable Connector Enhancement Solicitation for Robust COTS Solutions

This opportunity is issued by the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) under the Department of War, seeking innovative enhancements for cable connectors used in electronic systems: - Government Buyer: - Department of War - Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) - Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) - Project Scope: - Development and validation of robust, multi-form factor solutions to strengthen commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cable connectors on existing printed circuit boards (PCBs) - Solutions must be compatible with traditional PCB assembly, coating, and potting processes - Target connector types include MMCX, SMA, UFL, Panasonic, and Samtec - Technical Requirements: - Must withstand harsh environmental conditions: shock, vibration, thermal extremes, and immersion - Required to pass MIL-STD-202 and MIL-STD-810 environmental testing - Operate between -50°C to 140°C - Compatible with potting materials of 20,000 cp viscosity or higher - No custom cable manufacturing or tooling permitted - Project Structure: - Phase I: Feasibility study (up to 3 months, max $100,000) - Phase II: Prototype testing and validation (up to 24 months, max $1,340,000) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs named, but compatibility required with connector types from Panasonic, Samtec, MMCX, SMA, and UFL - Notable Requirements: - Solutions must be dual-use for defense and commercial electronics - Open to small businesses under SBIR/STTR program - Proposals must remain valid for 180 days post-submission - No custom cable manufacturing or tooling allowed

Description

This solicitation is a pre-release under the SBIR/STTR program for the project titled "Cable Connector Enhancement." The project aims to develop enhancements for cable connectors to improve their robustness and reliability under environmental stresses such as shock, vibration, and immersion. The solution should be compatible with commercial off-the-shelf connectors and existing manufacturing processes without requiring custom cable manufacturing or tooling. The solicitation includes Phase I feasibility studies and Phase II physical testing of the developed solutions.

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