DLA26BZ02-NV009 — Weapon System Readiness Program (WSRP)
Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Phase I
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this SBIR is to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions to address readiness challenges caused by delays or shortages of DLA-managed items critical to the manufacturing of components needed to achieve fully mission-capable status. This includes engaging new suppliers to provide advanced manufacturing techniques, reverse engineering capabilities, and alternative sourcing strategies. The effort will also involve working directly with the cognizant engineering authorities to leverage their expertise and networks to deliver turnkey solutions that improve supply chain reliability, reduce lead times, and ensure consistent access to essential materials and components.
DESCRIPTION: DLA Weapon Support requires a solution to address readiness challenges caused by delays or shortages of DLA-managed items critical to the manufacturing of components needed to achieve fully mission-capable status. These issues stem from supply chain inefficiencies, material shortages, and production delays, which hinder the timely availability of essential items. We need innovative, cost-effective approaches to improve supply chain reliability, reduce lead times, and ensure consistent access to the materials and components required to maintain mission readiness. Additionally, we seek to engage new suppliers capable of providing innovative solutions, including advanced manufacturing techniques, reverse engineering capabilities, and alternative sourcing strategies, to expand the supplier base and enhance supply chain resilience.
PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 months and a cost of $100,000.
Phase I will focus on applying proposed solutions to a limited number of critical items (identified and shared with interested parties during the solicitation) to demonstrate technical feasibility. This includes developing prototypes using advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g., additive manufacturing, reverse engineering, or alternative material sourcing) and working closely with the cognizant engineering authority to ensure alignment with technical requirements. The effort will also include leveraging the engineering authority's networks to identify and onboard new suppliers capable of meeting DLA's needs.
PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and a cost of $1,000,000.
Phase II will expand the application of the solutions to a greater number of items, including more complex and mission-critical components. This phase will involve scaling up production, conducting rigorous testing and qualification of the solutions, and integrating them into the DLA supply chain. Collaboration with the cognizant engineering authority will continue to refine and validate the solutions, ensuring they meet performance standards. Additionally, a comprehensive plan will be developed to ensure long-term supply chain resilience and readiness, with turnkey solutions delivered to DLA for broader implementation.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The primary goal of this program is to address DLA's readiness challenges by developing innovative solutions for DLA-managed items, which would be procured using the Defense Working Capital Fund (DWCF) with reimbursement from the Services. Beyond the DoW, these technologies have significant commercialization potential in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial equipment, where advanced manufacturing, reverse engineering, and supply chain optimization are critical. Solutions developed under this program, such as additive manufacturing, AI-driven inventory management, and advanced materials, could address similar challenges in the private sector, offering small businesses dual-use opportunities to expand their market reach and ensure the sustainability of their innovations.