DAF26BZ02-DV012 — Bulk Growth of InAsP Crystal

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 24 months Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: The overall goal of the R&D effort is to develop high optical quality compositionally uniform wafers of the ternary semiconductor alloy InAsP with different alloy compositions. The wafer sizes should be approximately 20 to 25 mm in cross section dimensions, and above 1 mm in thickness.

DESCRIPTION: Infrared detectors, especially for the short wave infrared spectral range are fabricated by growing semiconductor alloy thin films having different compositions on high quality substrates. The substrate needs to be of high electronic quality, i.e., it must be of high compositional uniformity, possess very few defects, and ideally be lattice matched with the thin films. Moreover, the optical quality of the substrate needs to be high, i.e., they must transmit light at the desired wavelength range with as little absorption or scattering as possible. Ternary alloy semiconductors, due to their flexible optical transmission ranges, are ideal for infrared detector applications. However, there are no commercial suppliers for bulk ternary alloy InAsP and it is important for the Air Force to have a domestic supply source for such a material.

PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Air Force expects the applicants to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior "Phase I-type" effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Applicants should provide documentation demonstrating experience in growth of bulk ternary alloy crystals and a clear understanding of the challenges faced in meeting the size, uniformity and optical quality requirements.

PHASE II: At the end of the Phase II Period of Performance, the applicant should be able to deliver wafers of the ternary semiconductor alloy in 20 - 25 mm in cross section dimensions, and above 1 mm in thickness with reasonable yield rate, consistently providing several high optical quality, crack and twin-free wafers from each crystal boule grown. The key success criteria for the effort are the high degree of compositional uniformity over the entire wafer, lack of appreciable amounts of defects and achievement of desired band gap energy by the tuning of the alloy composition in the delivered crystals. During the period of performance, means to prevent alloy segregation during crystal growth need to be developed and the challenges of compositional uniformity, high optical quality, minimal or imperceptible crystal defects, large size and high yield must be addressed. A measure of the optical quality is the visual image quality of a high-resolution bar-target observed through the wafer at the appropriate wavelength and magnification in an infrared camera.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The awardee will pursue commercialization of the various technologies developed in Phase II for transitioning expanded mission capability to a broad range of potential government and civilian users and alternate mission applications. Direct access with end-users and government customers will be provided with opportunities to receive Phase III awards for providing the government additional research & development, or direct procurement of products and services developed in coordination with the program.

DAF26BZ02-DV011 — Three Axis Stabilized Environmentally Sealed Infrared Search and Track Payload

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 24 months Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a low cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP) environmentally sealed pointing and stabilization solution for infrared search and track (IRST) payload for Group 2/3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support detection and tracking of small UAS (sUAS) at extended range.

DESCRIPTION: Small UAS (sUAS) pose a threat to both deployed U.S. forces and military bases. Traditional methods for detection, tracking and identification include acoustics, radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) cameras, which tend to be deployed from ground sites. Airborne sensors can supplement these ground systems by providing forward-deployed surveillance and/or terrain relief.

Current state-of-the-art (SoA) IRST sensors have been developed for use on large platforms (e.g., fighters, bombers, group 4/5 UAS) to support detection and tracking against similar large platforms. Similar design concepts would be applicable for group 2/3 UAS, but at significantly reduced C-SWaP. Many commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) gimbals exist for group 2/3 UAS that are equipped with IR payloads, typically midwave infrared (MWIR) or uncooled longwave infrared cameras (LWIR). However, the IR payloads are typically optimized for surface surveillance missions, which prioritize spatial resolution and generally only provide two axis pointing & stabilization. The third axis, roll, is uncompensated and dependent on how steady the UAS can fly. Uncompensated roll will degrade IRST performance and increase computational burden to remove motion artifacts.

This effort seeks a three-axis stabilized sealed IRST payload to handle directional pointing and pitch/roll/yaw stabilization suitable for use on Group 2/3 UAS. Sealed refers to an IP54 rating to keep the optomechanical pointing/stabilization and sensor protected against dust and water. The sealed system shall compensate for UAV motion due to gusts, turbulence, and platform jitter. This effort will include both hardware and software approaches to provide a complete pointing and stabilization sealed payload package. An off-the-shelf gimbal or mature prototype is expected to be used as a starting point for the design. The sealed system shall provide the raw sensor data at 60 frames per second over Ethernet, command and control of the sensor, provide accurate line-of-sight pointing data, and on-gimbal inertial measurement.

Key performance parameters for the system include: Size: 700 cubic inches (T), 500 cubic inches (O) Weight: 14 lbs (T), 7 lbs (O) Power: 200 watts (T), 25 watts (O) Cost: 150K (T), 100K (O) Additional specs to be provided after award

Government provided sensor payload parameters: Sensor Power: 12 watts Sensor Size (nominal): 4"x4"x7", where 7" is along optical axis. Sensor Weight: 2lbs

PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Air Force expects the applicant(s) to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior "Phase I-type" effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Applicant(s) should provide documentation demonstrating a clear understanding of ability to leverage current COTS 2 axis mechanical stabilization gimbals in a similar SWaP constraint the topic requires.

PHASE II: Perform detailed design of the three-axis pointing/stabilization system. Conduct a Critical Design Review. Build a prototype three-axis pointing/stabilization sealed system with payload. Provide all safety of flight data required by USAF and/or FAA authorities. Evaluate performance in laboratory (T), tower (T), motion base (O). A tower test location will be provided by the Government.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: System integrated onto a flight ready platform to collect imagery for further analysis.

DAF26BZ02-DV010 — Production of a High Purity Ceramic Powder

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 24 months Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: The topic seeks to enable the scale up for the production of a ceramic powder with a production rate of at least one (1) metric ton per year. The powder composition to be specified by the Air Force must retain a high level of homogeneity and purity.

DESCRIPTION: The Air Force has developed a route to a ceramic powder of interest. The Air Force has demonstrated within its laboratories that the process can be scaled to 1 kg batches. Quality control for powder production has been established via ICP-OES/ICP-MS, XRD, SEM cross section of powder green bodies, and TEM with EDS analysis. ICP has been used to analyze for trace impurities and stoichiometric purity. SEM and TEM are used to analyze secondary phase content. At the laboratory scale the powder is at >99.9% pure of contaminates and is within 99% of the desired stoichiometry. Secondary phase presence is <3% by XRD with feature sizes of secondary phases are required to be <100 nm in particle size and <3% present. Powder production involves reverse strike co-precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis. Traditional solid phase synthesis methods are not suitable for a direct to phase II effort. The powder has shown interesting properties in trial studies, and scale up studies need to be conducted. Production rate needs to be demonstrated significantly beyond what our lab is equipped to do (20x increase in rate).

PHASE I: This topic is intended for a technology proven ready to move directly into a Phase II program. A Phase I SBIR award is not required. The applicant is required to provide details and documentation in the Direct to Phase II (D2P2) proposal which demonstrates accomplishments of a "Phase I-type" effort, including a feasibility study demonstrating the expertise needed to scale up co-precipitation and pressurized hydrothermal type reactions to at least 50 kg batch scale or via a continuous reactor setup producing 20 kg/week. Demonstration of the ability to produce powder, preferably ceramic powder, at 500 kg to metric ton scale is desired. The applicant should have demonstrated the capability of providing high purity powder that is 99.9% pure of contaminates. The feasibility study should illustrate past success at the aforementioned scales and rates with materials fitting the above descriptions.

PHASE II: During this program, the applicant shall design: (1) analyze laboratory procedures provided by the Air Force from small scale studies (<1 kg) and develop a plan to scale up the production of the desired ceramic material to 500 kg by the end of the project, (2) demonstrate production rate capability of at least 1 metric ton per year, and (3) deliver 500 kg of 99.9% contaminate free powder within 99% of the desired stoichiometry and <3% secondary phase by XRD with secondary phase domains below 100 nm in size by SEM/TEM to the Air Force by the end of this award. The delivered material should have spherical principal nanoparticles no more than 400 nm in diameter. The applicant shall also provide a cost estimate for price of the material for sale and a cost estimate for reactor system fabrication. The applicant can assume $1000/kg of product in raw material cost if materials were to be purchased from standard off the shelf suppliers. Example procedures will be provided in the references for the desired processes performed on unrelated ceramic materials. Please note: the references are not to the materials of interest. The Air Force will provide the specific composition of the final desired material and specific procedures to the awarded applicant. More details can be discussed with organizations having a current DD2345. The applicant shall show ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRD, SEM and TEM analysis of material for the selected process with evaluation of material quality for each lot of material made. Samples (~100 g) of powder made from each lot or when new reaction approaches are attempted shall be provided to the Air Force for independent analysis at the Air Forces' discretion. The product shall be delivered in 50 sealed 10 kg containers. Delivery of the first 50 kg of material will be needed within the first 8 months of the award.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The contractor will pursue commercialization of the material made during Phase II with ITAR/CUI eligible organizations. The technologies may be transitioned by expanding mission capabilities to a broad range of potential government users. Additionally, direct procurement of ceramic powder in coordination with the government program manager may be part of a Phase III program.

DAF26BZ02-DV009 — Rapid Evaluation of Low Back and Neck Impairment to Advance Readiness

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 24 months Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a quantitative evidence-based tool for rapidly assessing low back and neck impairment that end-users in both operational and clinical environments can use to improve readiness through the prevention, treatment, and management of spine disorders.

DESCRIPTION: Low Back and Neck pain are the costliest and most disabling health conditions in the world and are a pervasive and persistent challenge across the U.S. Armed Forces. Spine disorders affect up to 19.5% of military service members annually and represent the leading cause of disability discharge, medical evacuation, and limited duty days (over 25 million each year), severely undermining operational readiness.

In the Air Force, operationally critical service members such as pilots, air crew, pararescue jumpers, security forces, and maintenance personnel who are exposed to highly repetitive and often, highly physical loading are especially vulnerable. Due to the often chronic and debilitating nature of low back and neck pain, prevalence of these health conditions in veterans is in excess of 40% and is strongly linked with depression, long-term disability, compromised quality of life, and increased opioid usage.

The etiology of neck and back pain, disorders, and injuries is complex and multifactorial, driven by physical, psychological, and social (biopsychosocial) determinants that shape risk of onset, progression, and recovery. These biopsychosocial interactions produce heterogeneous clinical presentations, complicating prevention, diagnosis, and management. Additionally, risk factors that uniquely impact military service members such as combat training under heavy loads, prolonged and frequent use of head-mounted gear and body armor, extended static postures, high G-force exposure, poor equipment ergonomics, whole-body vibration, extreme psychosocial stress, sleep deprivation, as well as cultural norms and advancement incentives that can hinder reporting. This combination of factors can create a perfect storm for complex, disabling, and long-lasting (chronic) low back and neck disorders.

Given the complex nature of these disorders, the current best practice of relying on subjective, self-reported pain and function to guide decisions is insufficient. To better prevent low back and neck pain and intervene early when these disorders are most manageable, medical and operational support teams need objective, reliable, and actionable spine health metrics to help inform training, injury prevention, and clinical treatment decision making. Since the commercial marketplace currently lacks solutions in this space, this topic aims to help develop and transition to market a system that empowers service members in both operational and medical units to rapidly assess multiple biopsychosocial elements of low back and neck impairment including an objective assessment of functional impairment. Development of such a solution that can be deployed at scale will be critical to help decrease the economic and operational burden of low back and neck pain on the USAF and DoW and ultimately improve operational readiness, mission performance, and patient outcomes.

PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Air Force expects the applicant(s) to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior "Phase I-type" effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Prior research supporting the feasibility demonstration should have been conducted in the past five years. Reports which provide data, clearly present the analysis done, and provide evidence of scholarly impact will be strongly preferred. Research which has been done with military decision-makers, especially those involved in making difficult decisions like those faced in combat, mass casualty, and triage events, will be strongly preferred. Applicants should already have a defensible framework and methodology to apply that has been tested based on their previous research.

PHASE II: The Phase II effort will focus on the development, maturation, and validation of a quantitative evidence-based software and hardware device for rapidly assessing low back and neck impairment. The objective is to advance the prototype from the Phase I equivalent work of feasibility (TRL 3), which should have established the scientific basis for the solution through prior human subjects testing, to a production-ready prototype (TRL 6+). As part of this Phase II effort the solution should be capability-tested (product evaluation) in a relevant military environment and be positioned to submit for FDA regulatory clearance.

Technical Goals and Functional Requirements:

1. Rapid Evaluation: Deliver a software and hardware solution that can quantitatively evaluate low back and neck impairment, including sensor-based data collection and automated processing, in 5-10 minutes.

2. Easy-to-Use: The solution must walk users and warfighters through data collection protocols and be easy to operate even for non-expert or minimally qualified medical personnel.

3. Evidence-Based Functional Metrics: Metrics produced by the solution must quantify spine function or impairment, be normalized relative to large reference populations to provide context, and be scientifically validated in the literature.

4. Biopsychosocial Approach: In addition to spine function metrics, the solution must incorporate other biopsychosocial metrics from self-reported questionnaires or other sources to enable a more holistic approach to low back and neck pain prevention and care.

5. Change Over Time: The solution must be able to monitor changes in function over time relative to prevention or treatment interventions to enable users to evaluate impact.

6. Actionable Reports: The solution must provide intuitive, visual, and actionable data reports that highlight key risk factors or deficits so users can quickly make decisions.

7. Interoperability: The solution must be compatible with and be able to operate within existing Air Force IT infrastructure (computing devices, networks, etc.).

8. Online / Offline: The solution must be cloud capable to allow future scalability, but also must support offline data collection for situations where networks are not available or not secure.

9. Cybersecurity: The solution must adopt an architecture that will support future HIPAA-compliant Electronic Health Record (EHR) integration and meet IL-5 requirements, but also support a de-identified evaluation mode where users do not have to include sensitive information to test patients. This will increase chances of successful transition since it will decrease early security barriers to adoption, but also will enable future seamless EHR integration to improve user experience and impact.

Operating Parameters and Use Cases: The solution must be portable (no larger than a small briefcase) and operable for USAF Medical Groups, at hospitals, in training centers (e.g. USAF Academy), and Forward Operating Bases (FOBs).

Testing Requirements and Validation Approach: Solution must demonstrate kinematic measurement accuracy > 95% relative to a gold-standard optical motion capture system, must be able to differentiate patients and asymptomatic controls with > 80% accuracy, and must demonstrate excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (ICC > .8). Solution must successfully meet customer needs during a product evaluation in a representative military testing environment. By the end of Phase II, the production-equivalent solution must be Verified and Validated (V&V) under an FDA-compliant Quality Management System (QMS) and positioned for submission to FDA for regulatory clearance.

Deliverables: Prototype software and hardware solution delivered to customer for product evaluation testing. Test reports documenting accuracy, reliability, and performance metrics. FDA communications and evidence of FDA-compliant Verification and Validation (V&V) results. Technical documentation, knowledge center, and training tools for end-users. Transition plan for scaling deployment across Air Force and DoW.

Expected Outcomes: The Phase II effort will culminate in an operationally viable prototype that is positioned to submit for FDA regulatory approval, seek DoW security and IT approvals, establish an Authority to Operate (ATO), and scale-up manufacturing so it can be transitioned into wide-scale use in Phase III. Ultimately, this novel solution will allow users to rapidly assess low back and neck impairment in both operational and clinical environments to improve readiness through evidence-based spine disorder prevention, treatment, and management.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The expected Phase III effort will transition the Phase II solution into an operationally deployed capability across Air Force Medical Groups. At Phase III entry, the technology is projected to be at TRL 6+, having been demonstrated in a relevant environment with validated performance.

Military Applications: Although the topic-sponsoring organization has plans to evaluate and apply the solution at the 354th Medical Group, this capability would benefit all USAF and DoW Medical Groups at clinics, hospitals, training centers (e.g. USAF Academy), and Forward Operating Bases (FOBs).

Readiness: Solution will extend capabilities to Deployable Combat Wings (DCWs), Integrated Operational Support (IOS) programs, as well as broader DHA clinical facilities. Accomplishing this will increase the Warfighter operational readiness through rapid assessment that will facilitate evidence-based prevention and treatment. This will allow minimally qualified medical personnel to conduct rapid assessments as a force multiplier (e.g., technicians) and provide a game-changing solution from both an assessment and intervention perspective. Because it will be deployable by less qualified medical personnel, it also will decrease clinic wait times and increase access to care. This combined with getting the right patient the right treatment at the right time will help decrease low back and neck pain chronicity (which, on average, will involve symptoms for > 7.5 years), thus leading to significant healthcare cost reductions.

Commercial Applications: Since low back and neck pain are also the leading cause of disability and most expensive health care expenditure (more than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer) in civilian populations, this technology will yield similar benefits to civilian medical care and injury prevention organizations and patients.

Transition Plan: Phase III will focus on operational deployment at 354th Medical Group, supported by non-SBIR funds from Wing/Squadron Innovation budgets, as well as broad expansion into other AF, Navy, and Army medical groups who have already also expressed interest in this proposed solution. Government approvals will include cybersecurity certification under the Risk Management Framework (RMF), Authority to Operate (ATO) within AFNET, and software integration approvals. Additional DAF customer opportunities include Air Force Medical Services (AFMS).